( HS Sirrine 150664 2026) Grief Counseling for Non-Death Losses Coping with Life's Unexpected Changes

Course overview

While grief is most often associated with death, people mourn a wide range of non-death losses and changes, including divorce, changes in relationships, illness, aging, infertility, relocation, and experiences of trauma, abuse, or neglect. Even life events or transitions that are typically celebrated, like graduation, marriage, retirement, the birth or adoption of a child, or becoming an empty-nester, can carry an unexpected undercurrent of grief. Since grief is frequently minimized or overlooked, clients may find it difficult to recognize and process their emotions following non-death losses. And clinicians may feel ill-equipped to support their clients navigating these unique experiences of grief. This workshop moves beyond a traditional, linear model of grief counseling to offer clinicians a deeper understanding of the nuanced challenges associated with unexpected changes, losses, or life transitions. Participants will gain tools to engage in grief-informed practice and empower their clients to integrate non-death losses into their lives in meaningful and adaptive ways.