INTERNATIONAL FAMILY GRIEF CONSULTATION 2020

By Ms. Chikako Ishii

Ambiguous loss is a unique kind of loss that often immobilizes family processes, ruptures relationships, blocks coping and decision making, and freezes the grief process without possibility of closure. This presentation will focus on two types of ambiguous loss: physical and psychological. The presentation will explore ambiguous loss theory which will provide a lens that emphasizes on resilience and less on pathology. This prevents further trauma and stress, and focus on moving forward. Participants will learn how to apply the lens and to elicit signs of resilience in family members interaction. The presentation will also highlight the challenges practitioners may face and how they maintain their own wellness while working with families in ambiguous loss.