Masterclass on

Grief and Loss:

Strategies for Professional Management

Chris Abojei (PsyD, CEAP)

08/04/2024 10:10 PM
www.psychaideap.com 1
ABOUT PSYCHAID
• Psychaid is the leading wellness-based solution, designed with
empathy for our clients. We have a depth of experience in
psychological healthcare delivery, workplace wellness advisory,
lifestyle modification, mental health advocacy and wellness
training programs.
• Since our inception, we have catered to the minds, relationships,
total well-being and productivity of organizations and their
employees. We offer our clients access to bespoke interventions to
manage mental health concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, grief,
relationships, sleep problems, as well as workplace productivity
concerns.
• This means fewer sick days, happy relationships, less stress and
burnout, improved productivity and sound minds.

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Introduction: Overview of the session objectives

• Throughout this session, we'll delve into the complexities of grief and loss, explore
therapeutic approaches, and engage in practical case studies and role-play scenarios.
• We will cover the following:
• Complicated grief and the DSM-5 diagnosis criteria,
• The healing purpose of grief
• Trauma, depression and other mental health issues associated with grief
• Grief across the lifespan
• Ethical and risk considerations in grief management
• Simple strategies to managing grief in your practice and lots more.
Understanding Grief and Loss

• Grief is a natural response to loss, encompassing a range of emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.
• It can stem from various types of losses, including death, divorce, job loss, or relocation.
• It's essential to recognize that grief is a highly individual experience, and there's no right or wrong
way to grieve.
• Cultural and religious perspectives also influence how individuals process grief, emphasizing the
importance of cultural competence in our approach as professionals.
The Grieving Process: Stages of Grief

• It's crucial to understand that grief is not a linear process, and individuals may move through the
stages of grief in a different order or revisit them multiple times.
• We often refer to the stages of grief, famously outlined by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross:
• denial,
• anger,
• bargaining,
• depression, and
• acceptance.
The Grieving Process: Worden's Tasks of Mourning

• Additionally, William Worden's Tasks of Mourning provide a framework for understanding the work
of grief, including
• accepting the reality of the loss,
• experiencing the pain of grief,
• adjusting to a world without the deceased, and
• finding an enduring connection with the deceased while embarking on a new life.
Complicated Grief/Prolonged Grief Disorder

• While grief is a natural process, some individuals may experience complicated grief, characterized
by persistent and debilitating symptoms typically over 7 months after the loss.
• Risk factors for complicated grief include
• traumatic loss,
• lack of social support, and
• pre-existing mental health conditions.
• Early intervention is essential in identifying and addressing complicated grief to prevent long-term
complications.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

• DSM-5 PGD is present when:

• after the death of someone close at least 12 months earlier (Criterion A),
• a person experiences intense yearning or preoccupation (Criterion B),
• plus at least 3 of 8 symptoms of identity disruption, disbelief, avoidance, emotional pain, difficulties
moving on, numbness, a sense that life is meaningless, and loneliness (Criterion C)
• for at least one month, that causes distress or disability (Criterion D),
• exceed cultural and contextual norms (Criterion E), and
• are not better explained by another mental disorder (Criterion F).
Trauma and Grief

• Traumatic loss can significantly impact the grieving process, leading to complex and prolonged
grief reactions.
• Individuals who have experienced traumatic loss may struggle with intrusive thoughts, flashbacks,
and emotional numbness.
• It's essential to address both the trauma and the grief in therapy, using trauma-informed approaches
to promote healing.
Anticipatory Grief

• Anticipatory grief occurs when individuals begin to grieve before a loss has occurred, such as when
a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
• This type of grief can be complex and challenging, as individuals grapple with feelings of sadness,
anxiety, and uncertainty about the future.
• Counseling can provide support and coping strategies during this difficult time.
Differences Between Grief and Depression

• While grief and depression share some common symptoms, such as sadness and loss of interest in
activities, there are key differences between the two.
• Grief is a natural response to loss and typically involves waves of intense emotion that come and go.
• Depression, on the other hand, is a clinical disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness,
hopelessness, and worthlessness.
• It's important to differentiate between grief and depression in counseling to provide appropriate
support and treatment.
Other Differentials in Grief Diagnosis and Symptoms

• In addition to depression, grief may present differently in individuals with pre-existing mental
health conditions or personality traits.
• It's essential to consider differential diagnoses and assess for complicating factors that may impact
the grieving process.
• individuals experiencing grief may be at increased risk for
• anxiety disorders,
• Suicide and Self - harm
• substance use disorders, and
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Tailored interventions can address the unique needs of each client.
Ethical Considerations

• Ethical considerations are paramount in grief counseling, particularly concerning

• confidentiality,
• autonomy, and
• beneficence.
• Counselors must respect clients' rights to self-determination while providing support and guidance.
• It's crucial to maintain professional boundaries and seek supervision when faced with challenging
ethical dilemmas.
Therapeutic Approaches

• Various therapeutic approaches can be effective in supporting individuals through grief and loss.
• Person-centred therapy focuses on providing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness to
facilitate healing.
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours
associated with grief.
• Narrative therapy allows individuals to construct a coherent narrative of their loss experience.
• Group therapy and expressive arts therapy offer additional avenues for processing grief in a supportive
environment.
Guideline for Managing Grief in Counseling

• Cultivating a therapeutic relationship built on trust and empathy is essential for facilitating healing
and resilience.
• A comprehensive guideline for managing grief in counseling may include
• assessment of grief reactions and risk factors/behaviours,
• psychoeducation about the grieving process,
• exploration of coping strategies, and
• ongoing support and follow-up.
Supporting Children and Adolescents in Grief

• Children and adolescents experience grief differently from adults due to their developmental stage.
• It's essential to provide age-appropriate support and communication strategies to help them navigate
their grief.
• Activities such as storytelling, art therapy or play therapy can be effective in facilitating expression
and coping.
Case Study Group 1: Sarah's Loss

• Let's explore a case study involving Sarah, who recently experienced the loss of her spouse.
• Sarah is struggling to cope with her grief and is experiencing intense feelings of loneliness and
isolation.
• In breakout sessions, group 1 members will discuss potential interventions to support Sarah through
her grieving process.
Role-Play Scenario 1: Practicing Active Listening

• In this role-play scenario, group participants will identify members to present a roleplay of the
counselor and the grieving individual.
• Through active listening and empathy, counselors will practice creating a supportive space for
grieving individuals to express their emotions and experiences.
• Feedback and discussion will follow to enhance skills in active listening.
Case Study Group 2: Jake's Loss

• Our second case study involves Jake, a teenager who lost his father in a car accident.
• Jake is struggling with overwhelming feelings of guilt and anger.
• In group 2, participants will develop intervention plans tailored to Jake's unique needs and
circumstances.
Role-Play Scenario 2: Addressing Guilt and Anger

• Participants in group 2 will engage in a role-play scenario focused on addressing guilt and anger in
a counseling session with Jake.
• By practicing techniques such as cognitive restructuring and emotion regulation, counselors will
learn to help clients navigate complex emotions associated with grief. Feedback and discussion will
enrich the learning experience.
Group 3 Activity: Exploring Cultural and Religious Perspectives on
Grief
• Participants in this group will discuss how different cultural perspectives influence the experience
and expression of grief.
• They will choose a representative who will share their insights and observations, fostering cultural
competence among professionals.
Group 4 Activity: Developing Age-Appropriate Interventions for
Children and Adolescents
• Participants in this group will discuss how to develop age-appropriate interventions for children and
adolescents experiencing grief.
• Each group will brainstorm creative activities and communication strategies tailored to different
developmental stages.
Self-Care for Professionals

• As professionals working in the field of grief counseling, self-care is paramount.

• We must prioritize our well-being to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue.
• Strategies for self-care include:
• ME-TIME
• setting boundaries,
• seeking supervision and support, and
• engaging in activities that replenish our emotional reserves.
Conclusion and Q&A

• In conclusion, managing grief and loss requires a compassionate and holistic approach.
• By understanding the complexities of grief, employing effective therapeutic techniques, and
prioritizing self-care, we can better support individuals and families through their healing journey.
• Now, I invite you to ask any questions or share your insights from today's session.
 CONTACT US

• If you have any further questions or would like to

connect, please feel free to reach out to the Psychaid
Team on WhatsApp or email via:
07081269270

wellness@psychaideap.com
psychaidconsults@gmail.com

23/03/2024
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Resources for Grief Counseling

• To further support our work with grieving individuals, it's essential to be aware of available
resources.
• Books, articles, websites, and referral networks can provide valuable information and assistance.
• Continuing education opportunities also allow us to stay updated on the latest research and best
practices in grief counseling.
References

1. Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On Death and Dying. New York: Scribner.

2. Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health
Practitioner. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
3. Neimeyer, R. A. (2000). Lessons of Loss: A Guide to Coping. Memphis: Center for the Study of
Loss and Transition.
4. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
5. Bonanno, G. A., & Malgaroli, M. (2020). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: Have we
underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American
Psychologist, 75(3), 262–277.
6. Neimeyer, R. A. (2016). Techniques of grief therapy: Creative practices for counseling the bereaved
(2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.