EMP 820   G. Horsley + H. Horsley   3 credits
Working with Bereaved Clients—Research Applications

Description

This course examines the specific application of assessment, intervention, and evaluation strategies to families confronting a major loss. Assessment and differential treatment selection within the context of this particular vulnerable population will be explored. This course will focus on understanding the impact of anticipated and traumatic loss and grief on individuals, and the family system, and will look at the development of continuing bonds. The evolution of current theories of trauma and bereavement will be explored as they reflect more general social and psychological theories and social and political trends tasks of the grief process including anticipatory grief, symptoms of uncomplicated and complicated grief, the interface of trauma and grief, and associated risk and protective factors will be explored.

Objectives

Students will become familiar with:

• Learning engagement and assessment skills with individuals and families confronting both anticipated and traumatic loss
• Managing our own responses to loss and threat of loss
• Understanding theories underlying current practice models
• Developing competence with culturally diverse expressions of trauma and grief
• Empowering clients through knowledge and social connection
• Managing practice constraints, e.g., time, resources etc.; identifying relevant outcome measures

Texts

A three-page required text will be provided and a course packet of relevant articles.

• Worden, W. Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy
• Bonanno, G. and Kaltman, S. The Varieties of Grief Experience
• Horsley, G. Baggage From The Past American Journal of Nursing
• Stroebe, M.S., Stroebe, W., Hansson, R.O. Handbook of Bereavement

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