Grief, Bereavement, and Coping with Loss (1 credit hour)

Program Summary:  This course explores evidence and practice issues related to grief, bereavement, and coping with loss.  The course compares different types of grief reactions and includes models of normal grief, patterns of complicated grief, and risk factors for complicated grief. Using the DSM-5, the course differentiates a normal grieving process from a major depressive episode.  Treatment considerations are discussed.  In addition, the course looks at the grief experiences of medical providers as well as grief in children.

The new diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) with diagnostic criteria was added to the DSM-5-TR in March of 2022.  It is classified as a trauma and stressor related disorder and characterized by “intense longings for the deceased or preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased.”(Please see APA Offers Tips for Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder for more information).  The diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder has supporters and critics.  Supporters contend that a DSM diagnosis allows for important treatment, research and funding; critics voice concerns related to pathologizing a human emotional response.

This course is recommended for social workers and counselors and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.  

“Book  Open the Course Reading Here.

Reading:  Grief, Bereavement, and Coping with Loss (PDQ) Publisher:  National Cancer Institute

Course Objectives:  To enhance professional practice, values, skills and knowledge by exploring grief, bereavement, and coping with loss.

Learning Objectives:  Compare normal, complicated, and anticipatory grief.  Describe treatment considerations for complicated grief.  Differentiate a normal grieving process from a major depressive episode.  Describe grief in children.

Review our pre-reading study guide.

Course Available Until: October 31, 2027.

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1: Numbness and disbelief best describe
 
 
 
 
2: There is a preestablished linear process through which an individual moves to resolve grief.
 
 
3: Which of the following best describes anticipatory grief?
 
 
 
 
4: The most well-known model of normal grief which identifies five stages of grief as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance has
 
 
 
 
5: Using the DSM-5 to differentiate normal grief reaction from major depressive disorder- which of the following describes grief?
 
 
 
 
6: The DSM-5 emphasizes that major depression should be diagnosed for
 
 
 
 
7: In general ________ experience more negative consequences after losing a spouse.
 
 
8: In general, _______ persons experience more difficulties after a loss.
 
 
9: Most researcher agree that most bereaved persons adapt over time, typically within the first 6 months to
 
 
 
 
10: The primary difference between bereaved adults and bereaved children is that intense emotional and behavioral expressions are
 
 
11: A child's grief is usually
 
 
12: When talking to children about death, discussions should include
 
 

In order to purchase or take this course, you will need to log in. If you do not have an account, you will need to register for a free account.

After you log in, a link will appear here that will allow you to purchase this course.

 

Free State Social Work, LLC, provider #1235, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/6/2021 - 9/6/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 1 clinical continuing education credit.

Free State Social Work has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP NO. 6605. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Free State Social Work is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

G.M. Rydberg-Cox, MSW, LSCSW is the Continuing Education Director at Free State Social Work and responsible for the development of this course.  She received her Masters of Social Work in 1996 from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago and she has over 20 years of experience.  She has lived and worked as a social worker in Chicago, Boston, and Kansas City.  She has practiced for many years in the area of hospital/medical social work.  The reading materials for this course were developed by another organization.