Understanding Grief and Loss
Grief is the reaction to loss, and any kind of loss can trigger grief. People grieve for the loss of someone they love but also for the loss of independence, usefulness, cognitive functioning, and physical abilities. Grief is also a lifelong process: a journey rather than something that is cured. This course will teach people to recognize grief and how to respond appropriately to the grieving person. A final section on compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary stress includes strategies for professional self-care.
Learning Objectives:
- Define grief
- Identify three physical changes that affect people as they age to normalize the process, and help people understand important aspects of working with a grieving person
- Identify three myths about grief
- List ways to manage compassion fatigue
Location: Online Webinar
Cost: This webinar is free for all to attend
Instructor Name/Bio: Ingrid Valdez
Ingrid is a bilingual, Spanish-speaking Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) based in San Francisco, originally from New York City with roots in the Dominican Republic. She holds a BA in Applied Psychology, an MA in Special Education, and is licensed as a BCBA in California. With a robust background in mental health education and applied interventions, she has provided support to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and has extensive experience in care coordination, individualized support planning, and advocacy for older adults with traumatic brain injury, dementia, and anxiety disorders. Her commitment to cultural sensitivity ensures that mental health education and services are inclusive and responsive to diverse community needs. Currently, Ingrid trains staff and volunteers in grief support, suicide prevention, and crisis de-escalation, equipping them with the skills to deliver compassionate and culturally competent care.
