As a society, we tend to disenfranchise grief, often actively trying to sweep it under the rug. After a review of the reasons for this phenomenon, participants will be introduced to new ways to conceptualize and work with grief beyond the dated "stages" taught to us for the last 30 years. We will discuss our expectations as therapists, consider grief through the lens of social-justice, and discuss the language we can use with clients, both adults and children. We will also discuss interventions and other resources for ourselves and our clients.

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Workshop Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to recognize grief disenfranchisement in their own actions and surroundings.

2. Participants will be able to conceptualize different forms of grief. 

3. Participants will be able to use culturally appropriate language when working with grief.

 

About the Presenter:

Shirley holds a Masters of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Northcentral University, with a specialty in Medical Family Therapy. She also holds a certification in Thanatology (CT®) from the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Lastly, she is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Therapy (NLP). 

Shirley believes that even if things are not okay, we can be, which is also her definition of incurable optimism. She believes that we can all be best version of ourselves, under our circumstance. Shirley is an AMFT under supervision and direction of Jennifer Vann, LMFT and Kara McDaniel, LMFT.  She is a MFT PhD candidate specializing in supervision.  

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Continuing Education:
This workshop has been approved for 2 ethics hours by GAMFT #045-2022-1.

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