Traumatic Grief: The Losses That Scare Clinicians the Most
- Average Rating:
- Not yet rated
- Faculty:
- David Kessler, MA, RN, FACHE
- Duration:
- 1 Hour 04 Minutes
- Format:
- Audio and Video
- Copyright:
-
Aug 01, 2025
- Product Code:
- POS150303
- Media Type:
- Digital Seminar
Description
Some losses are so devastating that even the most experienced therapists can feel unprepared to hold space for them. Suicide, addiction-related deaths, and the death of a child bring pain that is raw, complex, and often isolating. As clinicians, we may worry about saying the wrong thing or being unable to help at all. Grief expert David Kessler invites you into a compassionate conversation about these profound losses, offering guidance to help you support clients with tenderness, courage, and deep presence.
- How to show up when words feel inadequate
- Clients feel isolated and misunderstood – gain tools to help them reconnect with themselves and others
- Society often judges or shames these losses – learn how to create a safe space where grief is honored, not hidden
- You don’t have to fix the unfixable – find confidence in simply being a compassionate witness
- Healing does not mean moving on – help clients carry their love and loss in a way that allows them to keep living
Credit
Handouts
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transcript - Traumatic Grief (113.6 KB) | 12 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Traumatic Grief - French (113.6 KB) | 12 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Traumatic Grief - Italian (113.6 KB) | 12 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Traumatic Grief - German (113.6 KB) | 12 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Traumatic Grief - Spanish (113.6 KB) | 12 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Faculty
David Kessler, MA, RN, FACHE Related seminars and products
David Kessler is one of the world’s foremost experts on grief and loss. His experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies.
He is the author of six books, including his latest bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. He co-authored two books with Elisabeth Kubler Ross, Life Lessons and On Grief and Grieving, updating her 5 stages for grief. He also co-wrote, You Can Heal Your Heart with Louise Hay. He authored Visions Trips and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die. His first book, The Needs of The Dying received praise from Saint (Mother) Teresa.
David’s personal experience as a child witnessing a mass shooting while his mother was dying in a hospital helped him begin his journey. For most of his life, David has taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about the end of life, trauma, and grief. However, despite his vast knowledge of grief, his life was turned upside down by the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son.
David’s volunteer work includes being a founding member of Project Angel Food, a well-known and loved non-profit organization. He currently serves on the board of The Farrah Fawcett Foundation which provides cancer research, patient assistance, and prevention efforts. He also serves as Specialist Reserve for the Los Angeles Police as well as having served on the Red Cross’s disaster services team.
He has a new online model of grief support called Tender Hearts with over 25 groups each as well as one of the most respected Grief Certification programs. He is the founder of www.grief.com, which receives millions of visits yearly providing helpful resources to over 167 countries.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: David Kessler is the co‑founder and President Emeritus of Project Angel Food. He maintains employment relationships with HSBC – London and Tender Hearts Grief Support Group. He is a published author and receives royalties from his publications, as well as compensation for his work as a lecturer. In addition, David Kessler receives speaking honoraria and recording and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: David Kessler has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Additional Info
Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)Access never expires for this product.
For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com
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Objectives
After this presentation, participants will be able to:- Choose compassionate language and presence when grief is too deep for words.
- Apply compassionate language and presence when grief is too deep for words - know what to say and when to just be with clients to improve their engagement.
- Utilize validation and acknowledgment of pain to help grieving individuals feel less alone.
Outline
The Weight of These Losses- Understanding the unique pain of suicide, addiction, and child loss
- Learning to sit with profound grief without trying to “fix” it
- Helping clients process the loss of identity, future dreams, and relationships that often accompany these deaths
- Recognizing when grief is intertwined with traumatic memories and how to address both gently
Target Audience
- Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Social Workers
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Addiction Counselors
Reviews
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