"Despite
the numbers of parents grieving the traumatic death of
their child," writes Dr.
Ron Oliver,
"their grief is so misunderstood by the non-bereaved that
grieving parents frequently suffer again from the 'care' of
their well-intended family and friends. Caring
for a bereaved parent requires a paradigm shift away from the
way culture defines the needs of bereaved parents and the appropriate
response to those needs."
The participants in
this seminar will examine the needs and grief experienced by
bereaved parents and learn approaches that might be used in
ministering to them by using email dialogue to reflect on presented
material in light of their own experience and context. Through
this process the group benefits by learning from one another
as well as from the presentations.
Presentations (one
per week):
-
"A Neglected
Majority: Parents Bereaved by the Traumatic Death of a Child" by
Dr. Ron Oliver
-
"Art and
Healing: A Personal Reflection"
by Rev. Cherry Moore
-
"Spiritual
Dilemmas for the Bereaved"
by Dr. Richard Gilbert
Facilitator:
The
Rev. Sue Wintz,
M.Div., BCC, is a staff chaplain
at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona
and Presbyterian (USA) minister. Her clinical specialties
are in high risk pregnancy, neonatal and pediatric intensive
care, trauma, and working with families choosing to make
the Gift of Life through organ and tissue donation. She is
a nationally known author and speaker in issues of professional
chaplaincy and spirituality and healthcare. Sue is President
Elect of the Association of Professional Chaplains.
Learning
Objectives:
Following this workshop,
participants should be able to:
-
Recognize
the depth of pain and assess grief patterns of bereaved
parents and help identify resources for their support
and counsel.
-
Establish
realistic expectations of oneself as caregiver and
of the one who is grieving.
-
Recognize
that a support network may be lost when there is anger
and a break in relationship between the grieving person
and their faith community.
-
Be
aware of the importance of helping one who is grieving
find meaning in their sorrow.
-
Distinguish
ways the caregiver's own wounds and painful issues
may cause them to avoid or compromise their care for
others.
-
Acknowledge
the role art may have in helping one to deal with pain
and even transcend their environment.
-
Acknowledge
the role art may have in helping one identify "invisible
forces" that either weigh down a person or may
help sustain and comfort that person.
Continuing
Education Credit:
This
seminar is approved for up to 12 contact hours
(1.2 CEUs) of continuing education credit for
Continuing Chaplaincy Education units, National
Board of Certified Counselors CEUs, or WEOI
Integrative Care CEUs
Please
note: Participants in this online phase of
the workshop (12 contact hours) are expected to read
the presentations and participate in the discussion
by contributing at least 2 email messages per week.
One message is to reflect on the presentations or case
studies in light of one's personal experience and context
and the second is to respond to someone else’s
reflection or inquiry. The evaluation form submitted
at the end of the seminar serves as the CEU application.
Following your submission of this form you will receive
your CEU certificate.
