The coronavirus pandemic contributed to an unprecedented level of loss since March 2020. Non-death losses as well as deaths both due to and unrelated to COVID-19 have shattered the assumptive world, the view that the world is reasonably safe, benevolent, and predictable, and have created a sense of collective trauma and grief. As of mid-January 2021 over 400,000 people had died in the U.S. due to COVID-19 (CDC) and the number continues to rise. A recent study has found that approximately nine people are impacted by a single COVID-19 death (Verdery, 2020). Combined with other causes of death (which have also increased during this period) and mounting non-death losses such as isolation, employment, routine, and sense of safety, those experiencing grief in the U.S. alone is conservatively in the millions.

Through an expert panel discussion and live and recorded interviews, Living with Grief Since COVID-19, will help professionals effectively respond to the onslaught of pandemic-related grief and bereavement needs in their communities and equip them with tools to support counseling, treatment, stabilization, and posttraumatic growth. Acknowledging that healthcare and grief professionals are coping with their own losses and the exposure to trauma related to the pandemic, this program addresses ways to empower professionals to employ self-care techniques and suggest ways that employers can help. Finally, recognition of the grief and bereavement challenges the pandemic has posed will enable professionals to better support those who need help with their grief, reflect upon and safeguard their own mental health and wellbeing, and identify opportunities for improvement in grief support.

View the full program information sheet

EXPERT PANELISTS

• Ken Doka, PhD, MDiv, Senior VP of Grief Programs for HFA and recipient of the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Death Education and Counseling Read more
• Katherine Supiano, PhD, LCSW, F-GSA, FT, APHSW-C, is an Associate Professor in the College of Nursing, and the director of Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program at the University of Utah College of Nursing Read more
• Rev. Beverly Wallace, MDiv, PhD, associate professor of Congregational and Community Care at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. marriage and family therapist; co-author, African American Grief Read more
• Moderator: Frank Sesno, George Washington University Read more