Understanding Complicated Grief
Complicated grief is characterized by a yearning for a lost loved one so intense and persistent that it disrupts a person’s daily functioning for a prolonged period of time. It occurs in 7-10% of bereaved people. This half-day interactive class will help you identify and understand the experiences and factors that might complicate the grieving process and know what to do when you encounter a person suffering with something more complex than grief. It will also help you track your own reaction to someone struggling with these potential complications, and develop tools and skills for managing yourself.
For those who have taken our primary course “Understanding Loss and Grief”, the question may remain, Is there a time when listening well, bearing witness without judgment, and allowing the grieving person their natural process is not enough?
This half-day interactive class will help you identify and understand the experiences and factors that might complicate the grieving process and know what to do when you encounter a person suffering with something more complex than grief. It will also help you track your own reaction to someone struggling with these potential complications, and develop toolsand skills for managing yourself.
Topics Include:
- The difference between grief and grieving.
- Understanding the types of rumination that are common stumbling blocks for those who are grieving.
- What it might mean when someone is experiencing complicated grief.
- What questions might change the conversation to soothe one’s own
Teaching Staff:
Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD Clinical Psychologist


Brian J Arizmendi, PhD Clinical Psychologist


Unlike many generalists, Dr. Arizmendi focuses on a select few specialties to provide the most up-to-date and scientifically supported approaches. Practice specialties include: unremitting grief (A.K.A complicated or prolonged grief), and navigating difficulties coping with chronic medical illness. Dr. Arizmendi has specialized training in the treatment of complicated grief, and as a trained health psychologist, has extensive experience in helping individuals and families cope with chronic medical illnesses. To learn more: www.drbrianarizmendi.com