The Art of “Companioning” the Bereaved with Dr. Alan Wolfelt
Join us for professional grief training Tuesday, September 30th, 9:00am-3:30pm at Camp Nett in Niantic, CT.
This informative workshop will help us enhance your knowledge and skills related to supporting people experiencing grief and loss. Anchored in Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s “companioning” model of grief care, there will be a recognition of how grief and mourning are normal and necessary experiences that are fundamentally a journey of the heart and soul. A critical distinction between caring versus curing will be outlined. You will go away with a wealth of knowledge surrounding the transformative nature of grief.
Who Should Attend: This workshop will be helpful to anyone who wants to learn more about essential caregiving principles for caring for grieving persons. It will be particularly helpful to mental health practitioners/clinicians, religious/spiritual advisors, medical care providers, and funeral home directors/staff. If you know someone who would find this helpful, encourage them to register!
Objectives:
Upon completion of this workshop the participant will be able to:
- Define a Broader Framework for Loss/Grief
- Identify the Essential Ingredients of the Grief Caregiver
- Explain the Distinction Between “Caring” versus “Curing”
- Understand the Tenets of “Companioning” versus “Treating” the Mourner
- Identify the Foundations of “Companioning” versus “Treating” the Mourner
- Define Six Universal Needs of Mourning
- Explain the Concept of the “Slow Grief Movement”
Among the content areas to be explored in this workshop are the following:
- Exploring a Broader Framework for Loss/Grief
- How our Culture Values “Cure” Over “Care”
- Understanding the Concepts of “Sanctuary” and “Hospitality” that require Convalescence
- Exploring Inappropriate Socio-Cultural Assumptions About Grief
- Challenging the North American “Resolution Wish”
- Introduction to the Tenets of “Companioning” the Mourner
- Foundational Body of Knowledge for the Grief Caregiver
- Introduction to Wolfelt’s Model for “Complicated” Grief
- Advocating for the Slow Grief Movement
- Warning, Challenge, Reminder, Hope
Optional: 5 CEC units
This program is approved for 5 Continuing Education Credits by NASW/CT and meets the continuing education criteria for CT Social Work Licensure renewal. This approval may also be used by LMFTs, LPCs, and licensed psychologists for license renewal.
About the Presenter: Dr. Alan Wolfelt has been recognized as one of North America’s leading death educators and grief counselors. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been translated into many languages. He serves as Director of the Center for Loss & Life Transition and is on the faculty of the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine. He is known around the world for his compassionate messages of hope and healing as well as his companioning philosophy of grief care. Dr. Wolfelt speaks on grief-related topics, offers trainings for caregivers, and has written many bestselling books and other resources on grief for both caregivers and
grieving people.
He is the author of more than fifty bestselling books on grief and loss, including Understanding Your Grief; Grief One Day at a Time; Loving From the Outside in, Mourning From the Inside Out; The Journey Through Grief; Companioning the Bereaved: A Soulful Guide for Caregivers; Healing a Spouse’s Grieving Heart; Companioning the Grieving Child; Healing a Parent’s Grieving Heart; and Creating Meaningful Funeral Ceremonies.