- Module 1: Understanding Grief
- Module 2: Recognizing Grief Reactions
- Module 3: Responding with Compassion
Module 1: Understanding Grief
- Definitions: What is grief? It is more than just sadness.
- Types of loss: death, divorce, job, health, identity, etc.
- Busting myths and misconceptions about grief.
- Introduction to grief models:
- Kübler-Ross (5 stages): how they were developed and deconstructed
- Worden’s Tasks of Mourning: Focus on “Adjustment”
- Dual Process Model (loss vs. restoration)
- Activity: “Grief Myth or Fact” quiz
Module 2: Recognizing Grief Reactions
- Emotional signs: sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, disorientation, forgetfulness
- Physical symptoms: fatigue, sleep changes, illness
- Behavioral signs: withdrawal, overworking, irritability
- Spiritual signs: questioning faith, loss of meaning
- Deconstruct the narrative that crying, sadness, grief, mourning are signs of weakness.
- Becoming aware of your own responses/reactions to pain and suffering.
- Learning your conditioned responses from family of origin.
- Activity: Case study discussions: “What are they experiencing?”
- Resource: Emotional Wheel ; Ring Theory
Module 3: Responding with Compassion
- The ministry of presence: being there without fixing
- What to say — and what not to say
- The difference between sympathy and empathy.
- Listening skills and empathy building
- When to refer: recognizing signs of complicated grief
- Activity: Role Play: Practice active listening and response
- Resource: Better Ways; Practice of Presence
PRESENTER INFORMATION
Lisa Orris has experienced deep grief. Her oldest son Billy was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2015. She is the founder of Grief Guide. She was recently named one of McHenry County’s Women of Distinction in 2023. Lisa earned an undergraduate degree in Criminology from Gannon University and holds a Master of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary. She is also currently the lead pastor at Faith Community Church in Crystal Lake. Lisa has presented at the county level for the People in Need Forum, Community Connection Summit and most recently, at the Psychiatric Nurses Association (IL) at Roosevelt University.