Wednesday, Aug 5, 2026 • 12 pm to 1 pm

Virtual

Training Sessions

Abstract

Grief is a complex and multifaceted experience that unfolds differently from individual to individual. This presentation first reviews the established stages of grief, providing a foundational framework for understanding common emotional and psychological responses to loss. While these stages offer valuable structure, grief is not a linear process; individuals may move between stages in varied and unpredictable ways.

Building on this foundation, the discussion then conceptualizes the unique aspects of grief, emphasizing how personal history, relationship to the deceased, cultural context, and nature of the loss shape the grieving experience. Particular attention is given to how stigma, isolation, and disrupted meaning-making can complicate the grieving process in certain circumstances.

Finally, the presentation explores the journey of moving forward through the perspective of a suicide loss survivor. This lens highlights the distinct challenges associated with suicide bereavement, including feelings of guilt, unanswered questions, and the search for understanding. At the same time, it underscores pathways toward healing, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. By focusing on lived experience, this work aims to deepen empathy, inform clinical practice, and support more nuanced and compassionate approaches to grief and recovery.

Objectives

  • Review the stages of grief
  • Conceptualize the unique aspects of traumatic loss, including loss by a suicide death
  • Explore the journey moving forward thru the eyes of a suicide loss survivor

Accreditation

PHYSICIAN (CME)

The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

NURSING (CNE)

A maximum of 1.0 nursing contact hours will be awarded. Participants will be able to claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the program.

SOCIAL WORK

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, University of Pittsburgh is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. University of Pittsburgh maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 continuing education credits.

Psychologist (APA)

Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

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