The loss of an adult sibling is a deeply personal and often overlooked grief experience, leaving many adult surviving siblings feeling disenfranchised in their mourning.  The first half of this module will explore the unique nature of adult sibling loss and how the back story and shared narrative of this special relationship is impacted by death.  Additionally, Zampitella will examine how familial, cultural, and spiritual expectations influence the grieving process, sometimes supporting, but also perhaps interfering, with the surviving sibling’s ability to reestablish equilibrium and integrate the loss into their life narrative.  Greater awareness of these dynamics can support the research and treatment that survivors so essentially crave in those cases when the survivor seeks the guidance and support from professionals in the field of thanatology.

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The second half of this module will explore strategies for navigating the challenges of disenfranchisement through a case study and an arts-based approach.  Brooks will introduce an approach inspired by art historical research on the rückenfigur, a compositional technique in which a figure is depicted from behind.  Rückenfigur compositions are known for fostering contemplation, offering perspective, and encouraging empathy.  Brooks has adapted this compositional technique to the realm of bereavement support.  She will share her experience of creating a back-facing portrait of her deceased sister, before guiding learners in the creation of their own rückenfigur compositions.  Through hands-on art-making, participants will explore how and why this approach can be particularly meaningful for those struggling to access or process the complexities of their relationship with the deceased – especially in cases of traumatic, complicated, or painful sibling relationships.

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Through a combination of personal storytelling, research insights, a case study, and an experiential arts-based exercise in this session, learners will explore how reconstructing the back story of sibling relationships can facilitate meaning-making and grief integration.  Overall, this module will provide learners with tools to support bereaved siblings in navigating disenfranchised grief while fostering self-reflection and connection through expressive techniques.

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Note:  This 3-hour CE module focuses on topics related to psychological practice, education, or research other than application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that are supported by contemporary scholarship grounded in established research procedures.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Describe the unique nature of the adult sibling relationship and its significance in identity formation;

• Summarize how disenfranchisement impacts grief and how cultural and familial dynamics shape the bereaved sibling’s experience;

• Explain the importance of accessing the back story in meaning reconstruction and identify challenges in processing relationships with deceased siblings; and 

• Outline how arts-based approaches – particularly back facing compositions – can support bereaved siblings in reconnecting with their deceased sibling.

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Note:  Completion of this program and return of the Responsive Journal satisfies 1 Practicum Module required for Certification in Grief Therapy as Meaning Reconstruction, Certification in Art-Assisted Grief Therapy, Certification in Family-Focused Grief Therapy or Certification in Grief Therapy for Suicide Bereavement.

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PROGRAM CONTENT

This program contains the following video segments:

1. Consulting the Research:  The Multiple Impacts of Sibling Loss (47 mins)

2. On Culture and Therapy:  Shaping and Re-shaping the Back Story of Relationship (50 mins)

3. Adult Sibling Bereavement:  Navigating Disenfranchisement through Art (35 mins)

4. The Ruckenfigur:  An Experiential Exercise (53 mins)

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COURSE PACK CONTAINS...

• A PDF copy of the presentation slides;

• A guide for disenfranchised grief intervention and the design of personal rituals;

• Detailed instructions for the practice of rückenfigur; and

• The Responsive Journal that, upon completion and return, confers 1 Practicum Module required for Certification in Grief Therapy as Meaning Reconstruction, Certification in Art-Assisted Grief Therapy, Certification in Family-Focused Grief Therapy or Certification in Grief Therapy for Suicide Bereavement.

 

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Psychologists, social workers, counselors, art / music / expressive arts therapists, pastoral care personnel, healthcare professionals, bereavement volunteers

• To qualify for the 3 CE Credits, please kindly note that:

  • Full attendance of the entire session is required to receive CE credits.  No partial credit is awarded.

  • You are required to complete a CE quiz after the session.  An overall score of 75% or higher within three attempts is required to obtain CE credits.

  • The certificate of CE credits will be issued to you upon your submission of a participant evaluation form.

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INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL

• Intermediate

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Disclosure Statement

This recorded module is not supported financially by a manufacturer of any commercial product and there is no sale of any product or publication during the live training session.  There is no known conflict of interest for this CE module or the presenting faculty.