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), and 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:

• Identify current theories and evidence based practice in the field of grief and loss
  
• 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.

Presenter Profile | Judith Murray 
BA(HonsI) BEdSt PhD BNurs
 
Judith is currently an Associate Professor in Counselling and Counselling Psychology at The University of Queensland Australia. She is a qualified secondary school teacher, endorsed counselling psychologist, and registered nurse. Judith is both the Director of the Master of Counselling Program and the Master of Psychology Program at UQ.  She has also worked part time from 2010-2016 in Haematology and Oncology at The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland.  Previously she was responsible for the establishment of a Loss and Grief Unit in the Centre for Primary Health Care in the School of Population Health ay UQ.
 
Judith is the author of numerous papers, and resource packages and books. She has served on a number of national consultations for bereavement, postvention and children’s grief and has involvement with both the national aid organization ALWS and international organization, the ACT Alliance.  Judith has worked consistently to further the use of loss as an integrative concept within the health, welfare and education sectors which is articulated in the book “Understanding Loss: A Guide for Caring for Those Facing Adversity” (Routledge).

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.