LIVE WEBINAR | Anticipatory grief: Understanding the experience, supporting clients and the role of self-care

Anticipatory grief: Understanding the experience, supporting clients and the role of self-care

with Adam Annable

Who should attend this webinar?
Funeral professionals, hospice and palliative care staff, grief, health and wellness coaches, and those in adjacent industries who have a general interest in thanatological theory, to better understand the nature of anticipatory grief, experience different scenarios in which anticipatory grief can occur, and the self-impact this type of grief can have on family caregivers, as well as medical providers. In the setting of anticipatory grief, there is significant need for self-care of any and all natures. By exploring the true value of self-care in the setting of anticipatory grief, this webinar offers the suggestion that we cannot care for others if we are not also taking care of ourselves.

Overview

Anticipatory grief is the grief that can arise before a significant loss occurs. It is often associated with terminal illness, progressive conditions such as dementia, caregiving, and awareness of approaching death, but it can also occur in response to other major life changes and non-death losses.

This webinar explores the nature of anticipatory grief and the emotional, physical, cognitive and relational impact it can have on caregivers, family members and professionals working in caring roles. Participants will be introduced to key grief theories and frameworks that help explain anticipatory grief, alongside practical discussion around the realities of caregiving and emotional strain.

The session also focuses on the importance of self-care within grief and caregiving contexts. Rather than viewing self-care as optional or self-indulgent, this webinar considers it as an essential part of sustaining wellbeing and maintaining the capacity to care for others over time. Practical strategies for emotional regulation, physical wellbeing, boundaries and support-seeking will also be discussed.

Key learning points

• Understanding anticipatory grief and how it may present in both death and non-death losses

• The history and development of anticipatory grief theory

• Key grief frameworks commonly used to understand anticipatory grief

• Common situations in which anticipatory grief may arise, including terminal illness, progressive illness, impending life changes (non-death related), caregiving, and end-of-life awareness

• The emotional, cognitive, physical and relational impact of anticipatory grief on caregivers and professionals

• Recognising signs of emotional exhaustion, overwhelm and caregiver strain

• The role of self-care in sustaining wellbeing while supporting others

• Practical self-care strategies including emotional regulation, physical wellbeing, boundaries, routines and support networks

• Ways to maintain meaningful connection, communication and memory-making during times of anticipated loss

About the presenter

Adam Annable is an ADEC Certified Thanatologist, a Certified Grief Coach, an APFSP Certified Funeral Service Practitioner, and a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in Massachusetts and Nevada. He currently works as a Grief & Bereavement Specialist, and Managing Funeral Director/Embalmer of Goodrich Funeral Home in Lynn, Massachusetts. Adam holds a Master of Science degree in Thanatology, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Funeral Service & Mortuary Science. Adam mentors aspiring and newly licensed funeral directors through the Continuing Vision Mentorship Program, with which he is also a member of the program’s administrative team. He is deeply committed to LGBTQIA+ advocacy, civil and immigration rights, and supporting individuals and families navigating anticipatory grief, delayed grief, suicide loss, substance-related deaths and disenfranchised grief.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK: 

https://education.griefcentre.org.nz/course/anticipatory-grief-0826