Navigating Ambiguous Loss: Supporting Clients Through Life Transitions
3 Hours
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Friday, October 29th, 2027
1:45 PM EDT -4:45 PM EDT
Clara Sainte
1:45 PM EDT -4:45 PM EDT
3 CE Credits
(Interactive)
Price
Paid
$59.99 USD
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Description
Loss extends far beyond physical death, yet everyday transitions like divorce, career changes, chronic health shifts, and relationship endings are frequently overlooked or left unacknowledged. This course explores the realm of ambiguous and non-death losses, helping mental health professionals understand how these transitions affect individuals emotionally, psychologically, and socially. Through a blend of frameworks, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain clear language and actionable strategies to foster empathy, validate unseen losses, and support clients through major life changes.
About the Presenter:
Clara Sainte is a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in grief and loss, chronic illness, cancer, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Workshop participants appreciate her relatable approach of implementing humor and sarcasm as they learn practical strategies to take into their own practices.
Learning Objectives:
- Define and classify non-death losses, recognizing their emotional, psychological, and social impacts on individuals and communities.
- Examine the factors—such as personal beliefs, cultural norms, and the nature of the transition—that shape how people experience and navigate grief.
- Apply supportive communication techniques, including active listening and holding space for validation, to help clients process ambiguous and disenfranchised grief.
Agenda:
Agenda: Continuing Education Session on Managing Grief Expectations (3 hours)
1. Introduction and Overview (15 minutes)
- Objective: Outline session goals and set expectations.
- Topics:
- Define grief and common expectations around the grieving process.
- Overview of the session agenda.
2. Understanding Grief: Theories and Models (30 minutes)
- Objective: Review foundational theories and models of grief.
- Topics:
- Stages of Grief (e.g., Kubler-Ross model).
- Dual Process Model and Task-Based Grief Approaches.
- Activity: Group reflection—participants share how they’ve observed grief in different professional or personal contexts.
3. Managing Expectations Around Grief (45 minutes)
- Objective: Explore common misconceptions and expectations around grief.
- Topics:
- Cultural and societal influences on grief expectations.
- Common myths vs. realities (e.g., grief is linear, time-bound).
- Healthy vs. unhealthy grieving patterns.
- Activity: Case studies—participants analyze scenarios and discuss managing grief expectations with clients.
4. Communicating with Grieving Individuals (30 minutes)
- Objective: Develop skills for sensitive and supportive communication.
- Topics:
- Techniques for active listening and empathy.
- Language to avoid and preferred ways to support.
- Setting realistic expectations while providing comfort.
5. Self-Care and Professional Boundaries (30 minutes)
- Objective: Emphasize the importance of self-care for professionals working with grieving individuals.
- Topics:
- Recognizing signs of compassion fatigue.
- Building resilience and setting boundaries.
- Resources and support for grief professionals.
- Activity: Reflection exercise—participants create a self-care action plan.
6. Q&A and Closing Reflection (30 minutes)
- Objective: Address lingering questions and reinforce key takeaways.
- Activity:
- Open Q&A session.
- Closing reflection—participants share key insights or actions they plan to implement.
Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Hours
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0275.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0774.
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an introductory level, and is beneficial for a beginner level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Additional information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a Therapy Express seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform Therapy Express ahead of time by emailing [email protected] or by calling or texting 607-249-4585 this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by Therapy Express is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- System Requirements: Any device (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM capable of running a Zoom session, along with a stable internet connection.
- Although early registration is recommended for this class in order to ensure the best experience, attendees may register and join until the start of the program