Grief & Loss Across the Lifespan (3 CEU's)

SPECIAL POPULATIONS & ISSUES

Grief & Loss Across the Lifespan 3 CEUs

Overview:

Grief is a universal human experience, yet it manifests in highly individualized ways across the lifespan and in response to a wide range of losses. While grief is often associated with death, individuals may also experience profound grief following the loss of relationships, health, identity, physical abilities, employment, community, or anticipated futures. Clinicians frequently encounter clients struggling with grief-related concerns that intersect with trauma, attachment, cultural identity, developmental stages, and mental health conditions. Without a comprehensive understanding of grief and mourning processes, clinicians may unintentionally pathologize normal grief reactions or overlook signs of prolonged and complicated grief.

In this presentation, Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW, will guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of grief, loss, and adaptation across the lifespan. Attendees will examine major grief theories, including stage-based, task-based, and contemporary models of mourning, while developing a deeper understanding of the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational dimensions of grief. Special attention will be given to attachment theory, traumatic grief, Prolonged Grief Disorder, cultural considerations, and developmental differences in grief experiences among children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.

Participants will learn evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT), Narrative Therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. Emphasis will be placed on helping clients process loss, foster resilience, maintain meaningful connections with loved ones, and adapt to life changes while honoring their unique grief experiences.

Objectives:

1. Analyze major theories and contemporary models of grief and mourning, including stage-based, task-based, and dual-process approaches.

2. Differentiate between normative grief, traumatic grief, depression, and Prolonged Grief Disorder using evidence-based assessment principles.

3. Examine the influence of attachment, developmental stage, culture, spirituality, and social context on grief experiences across the lifespan.

4. Apply evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Complicated Grief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and trauma-informed strategies, when working with grieving clients.

5. Identify factors that promote resilience, adaptation, meaning-making, and post-traumatic growth following significant loss.

Scope and Limitations Disclosure

This course provides licensed mental health professionals with an overview of grief and loss across the lifespan. Participants will learn to recognize developmental and contextual factors that influence the grieving process and apply supportive, evidence-informed strategies in clinical practice. While various grief models and interventions may be discussed, this training does not provide certification in any specific grief counseling modality and is not a substitute for specialized training in complex grief or trauma treatment. Attendees are expected to apply the material within their professional scope of practice, ethical guidelines, and licensure requirements.

Financial and Commercial Disclosure

The presenter has no relevant financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. Any references to therapeutic models, interventions, or resources are provided solely for educational purposes. Participants are not required to purchase any additional materials to complete this course.

Refund Policy – Pre-Recorded (Self-Study) CE Courses

All purchases of pre-recorded (self-study) CE courses are subject to this refund policy. By enrolling, you agree to these terms. Participants who have not accessed any portion of the course may request a full refund within 7 days of purchase. Once a course has been accessed, streamed, or downloaded, refunds are no longer available due to immediate access to course materials. Refunds will also not be issued to participants who do not complete the course, fail the required post-test, or do not meet participation requirements, as certificates are only awarded upon successful completion. If you experience verified technical issues that prevent access, we will make reasonable efforts to resolve the problem; if it cannot be resolved, a full or partial refund may be issued. If you believe the course did not meet its stated learning objectives, you may submit a written complaint within 7 days of completion for review, and a partial or full refund may be granted at our discretion. All course purchases are non-transferable and may not be shared, resold, or assigned to another individual.