According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 40-50% of first marriages end in divorce. The divorce rate for second marriages is even higher, with approximately 60-67% of second marriages ending in divorce.”  It is clear that divorce is a common loss in our society and one that is often accompanied by conflict, struggle, grief, and confusion.  On the other hand, divorce can also be a growth opportunity if the disorienting and painful “wobble” that it causes in our lives is processed and re-narrated.  In this module, learners will learn about the autoethnographic method in re-storying the divorce journey.  Our workshop is not limited to the perspectives of those in heterosexual relationships and applies to those with LGTBQ+ identities. The session is applicable to those who were officially married or partnered without a legal contract but in a committed relationship.

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Autoethnography is a writing approach that reflects on personal experience using theoretical frameworks and existing research to make meaning, engage readers, and contribute meaningfully to the literature on a particular topic.  Although this qualitative research methodology is now well-established with many published books and articles – and a peer-review journal in the field (JOAE) – writing one’s story of loss with the right balance of personal narrative and philosophical integration remains challenging.  This presentation and writing workshop will also cover briefly Lengelle and Meijers' “Transformation through writing” model that explains how successful (re)storying takes place combining both affective and cognitive dimensions and training the observer position.  It also explains the concept of “wobbles” which are moments in life that are often the impetus for learning.​

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This module will invite learners to learn about autoethnography both theoretically and experientially through writing exercises.  The practices and conversation will in part be inspired by the presenters’ personal stories of loss through divorce and bereavement.  The aim of this module will be to have learners gain knowledge about how to write a successful autoethnography of loss, focusing on the importance of the work being: evocative, well-structured, philosophically rigorous, ethical, and emotionally salient.  Those participating can also learn more about how they may write an autoethnography for publication.  This training is for those who want to write their stories of loss and transition and/or are interested in the methodology.

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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

• Conceptualize divorce as a life event with the potential to contribute to post-traumatic growth;

• Define autoethnography and be able to explain the way in which writing is a meaning-making activity; and 

• Apply the autoethnographic method to re-narrating the divorce journey.

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Note:  Attendance of this Live Online Training session confers credit of 1 Techniques Module required for Certification in Grief Therapy for Non-Death Losses.

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COURSE PACK PROVIDES

• A PDF copy of the presentation slides.

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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 then be issued to you.

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INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL

• Introductory

 

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

This program contains the following segments:

• Getting Started:  Who We Are and What We'll Do (30 min.) 

• Divorce:  From Facts to Future possibilities (30 min.)

• What Is Autoethnography?  Conceptual Grounding and Writing Methods (60 min.)

• Transformation through Writing:  From Theory to Practice (30 mins.)

• Discussion:  Creative Application in your Context (30 mins.)

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WEBINAR TIMING

• 9am-12pm, PDT, Portland, OR, that corresponds to 12-3pm in Eastern Time, 5-8pm in Greenwich Mean Time and 6-9pm in Central European Time.

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Note:  The Zoom link and learning materials will be emailed to the registrants in due course.

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Disclosure Statement

This 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.

GRIEF TRAINING FACULTY​

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