Responding to Complicated Grief (CG)

Defining and, therefore, diagnosing complicated grief often leaves practitioners feeling confused and overwhelmed. Whether we call it prolonged grief or complicated grief most practitioners agree that this grief doesn’t budge. Those bereaved and suffering CG often feel stuck in their grief and their therapists frequently feel ‘stuck’ and unable to help their CG affected clients come to terms with the reality and consequences of the death, manage their strong emotions, resolve complications and re-engage with life.

This workshop will introduce participants to theories of complicated grief as well as providing a basic introduction to the theories which inform Complicated Grief Treatment *(CGT), its aims and strategies.  A basic understanding of current grief theories would be an advantage to participants. *CGT is the best-documented treatment for CG in the world and continues to be extensively researched by Dr M. Kathrine Shear from The Centre for Complicated Grief at Columbia University.
 
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
  

•     Understand the symptoms and clinical presentation of complicated grief
  
•     Determine the differences and similarities between complicated grief, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
  
•     Recognize and assess for complicated grief
  
•     Appreciate the procedures and processes involved in Complicated Grief Treatment
  
•     Identify and implement the key strategies and some techniques used in Complicated Grief Treatment.
  
•     Determine where and when to refer; who to turn to for support and how to keep yourself and your client safe.
  

The Presenter- Anita Hoare

Anita has a Masters in Counselling and Human Services from La Trobe University, a Masters in Social Work from Federation University and a Graduate Certificate in Bereavement Counselling from the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, with whom she currently works as a trainer and assessor. She is a Certified Bereavement Practitioner, a registered educator and clinical supervisor. She is training to be a supervisor for Lifeline.  She has experience with individuals using face-to-face, telephone and Skype sessions.
Amongst her areas of specialisation are grief and bereavement counselling with specific expertise in Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT).  She trained in CGT with Dr M. Katherine Shear, at the Centre for Complicated Grief, Columbia University in New York. She was there for 3 months in 2016, which provided her with a unique learning experience and higher level of familiarity using this protocol.
She is also trained in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy, a 16-session protocol for anxiety and depression. This is an efficacious treatment widely practised in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom.
She is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), PACFA, AASW and the Loss and Grief Practitioners’ Association.

Prices

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement reserves the right to cancel education programs that do not achieve minimum participation, in which case all fees will be refunded.
Registration cancellations will not be accepted unless made in writing to the centre. Cancellations made more than thirty (30) days prior to the event date will be refunded less 25% of the registration fee to cover administration costs. 
No registration refunds will be made after this date. Please note: The full invoiced amount will still be payable in the event of non-attendance on the day.