Karen Vadino, MSW, LPCC, OCPS II

Grieving is a very personal experience, and many factors influence how grief is handled. Though we all experience grief differently, we all have the same goal, which is acceptance. Acceptance takes time and can be a slow and gradual process. Grief is a natural process involving several stages which we all move through in our own time. However that happens for us, it is important that we experience it. If we do not, it goes unresolved and can lead to depression. This workshop will provide participants with information about the process of grief and the steps involved as well as how to successfully move through it.

Goals and Objectives

By the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  1. understand the process of grieving and how to move through it;
  2. discover how the stigma of drug abuse can exacerbate the grief;
  3. recognize the different ways people express their grief;
  4. provide suggestions for effective coping and healing.

Presentation Outline

  1. Definition of Loss
    1. Types of Loss
    2. New Way of Looking at Loss
  2. Process of Grief
    1. Stages
    2. Movement Through Stages
    3. Factors Affecting Process (Addiction)
  3. Goal
    1. Things to Do
    2. Thoughts--Quotes--Inspirations