Total Training Time: 2 Hours | CE Credit: 2 CE Hours | Format: Live on Zoom

Course Description

This 2-hour continuing education session provides an overview of traumatic loss and explores how grief may be experienced differently when death occurs under sudden, violent, or stigmatized circumstances. Participants will examine various types of traumatic loss, including suicide, homicide, and substance use-related deaths, and will explore common trauma symptoms that may accompany bereavement. The training will also address how to differentiate grief from depression and identify when additional clinical assessment or support may be needed. Finally, participants will be introduced to the concept of post-traumatic growth and ways to support individuals in meaning-making and healing following traumatic loss.

Target Audience & Instructional Level

This introductory training is open to mental health professionals, educators, school support staff, child-serving professionals, healthcare providers, and community-based helping professionals who support children, adults, and families impacted by grief and loss. This training is also appropriate for caregivers and other professionals seeking foundational knowledge and practical strategies for grief support.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify common types of traumatic loss and describe trauma-related symptoms that may complicate the grieving process.
2. Differentiate between grief and depression and describe supportive strategies that promote healing and post-traumatic growth following traumatic loss.

Presentation Schedule: 2 Hours (2 CE Hours | APA-Approved & NBCC Approved)

Hour 1: Understanding traumatic loss and trauma symptoms (1 CE)

• Defining traumatic loss and how it impacts grief
• Types of traumatic loss: suicide, homicide, and substance use-related death
• Common trauma responses and symptoms in bereavement
• Risk factors and protective factors

Hour 2: Grief vs. depression and pathways toward post-traumatic growth (1 CE)

• Differentiating grief and depression: key indicators and considerations
• Supportive responses and practical strategies for traumatic bereavement
• Introduction to post-traumatic growth
• Brief Q&A and integration of takeaways