MSWK657

Grief and loss are an integral and profound part of the human experience and, as such, are a
key area that needs to be addressed by clinical social workers across fields of practice. This
course will explore the nature of grief and loss as well as the myriad ways it presents itself
throughout the life course. We will consider historical and contemporary theories related to
the nature of grief and loss and seek to develop a nuanced and evidence-informed
understanding of the full breadth of the experience of grief and loss. We will examine the
question of how and when grief may need to be addressed in a more formalized manner in the
clinical social work process. The course will consider not only the variety of experiences and
contexts in which grief and loss may be experienced, but the impact and role of diversity and
spirituality. We will explore the meaning of grief and loss related to suicide, as well as themes
of non-death related loss, disenfranchised loss, communal expressions of loss, and the
importance of clinician self-care as we do this important work.