"The Courage to Grieve" by Caryn W. Ayers, LPC, NCC, BCC, Certified Grief Educator -- ZOOM CEU Program, Free for members, $5 for non-members

6:45 - 7:00   Check-in and opportunities for members to share announcements

7:00 - 8:30   CEU Presentation

Presenter:  Caryn W. Ayers, LPC, NCC, BCC, Certified Grief Educator

Program Title:  The Courage to Grieve

Although grief is an intricate aspect of life, it is often misunderstood and is often overwhelming to those who are experiencing it as well as those who are involved with a grieving person. Grief is the normal and natural reaction to any loss.¹  The feelings that accompany a loss are also normal and natural, yet very few people are prepared to deal with grief, both their own and the grief of others. Although trained to support, mental health professionals may find themselves struggling when needing to support those who are grieving.

Imagine from a therapist point of view if you could experience greater confidence when talking with clients about their grief. Discover approaches and skills to help clients experience their grief while giving you a sense of being supportive without trying to fix your client.

Caryn Ayers LPC, NCC, uses the language of a therapist to explain the key concepts of the importance of grief and how to witness each client’s unique grief experience, while helping clients find meaning and courage in what may be their most traumatic personal experience.

Objectives:

1.      Integrate psychoeducation regarding grief

2.      Analyze what is not helpful to the griever

3.      Analyze meaning as related to grief

4.      Utilize cognitive behavioral techniques when supporting grievers

5.      Create an understanding of the holistic approach to grieving

¹James, J.W. & Friedman, R., (2009). The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and other Losses (20^th Anniversary Expanded Edition). New York:  Harper Collins