The Vital Role of Social Support in Loss: Assessing and Supplementing Support Systems

Strong social support is one of the most important safeguards against disordered grief. However, many bereaved individuals report that family dysfunction, lack of proximity to loved ones, and social isolation leave them feeling alone in their grief. In this workshop, we’ll discuss proven assessment strategies for ascertaining levels of helpful social support, how to provide support in what are referred to as “disenfranchised losses,” and to assist bereaved individuals in developing positive social support systems.

Objectives: At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to…

• Describe the dimensions of positive social support and the contours of disenfranchised grief
• Utilize a clinical interview tool to assess levels of social support in complex grief
• Apply techniques to help bereaved individuals develop and access positive social support systems

RSPV to Becky Lomaka at blomaka@oconnormortuary.com