Traumatic Grief

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Abstract:

In this presentation, Linda explores the lived experience of ‘traumatic grief’ – a term that combines trauma with grief, locating it towards the extreme end of the grief spectrum. It includes symptoms similar to PTSD but specifically focused on: distressing preoccupation with the deceased or the death itself; a shattered world view and dissociation; and enduring existential feelings which impair social functioning. From her study of this topic, based on her clinical work as an existential psychotherapist and supervisor, and also on previous research, she draws on exemplar case studies and identify emergent themes involving disorientation, disintegration and dissociation. The ambiguity, ambivalence and variability of individual lifeworlds is highlighted.

About the speaker:

Dr Linda Finlay is a relational-centred, existential Integrative Psychotherapist and Supervisor (UKCP registered) in private practice in York.  She has worked in the mental health field since 1977 having originally trained as an occupational therapist (currently not registered). In her academic work, she teaches psychology and counselling at the Open University (UK). She also offers research consultancies, training and mentorship to individuals and institutions across the world.

Her research interests include the application of relational-reflexive, existential, hermeneutic phenomenological approaches to exploring the lived experience of disability and trauma. She has published widely, being best known for her textbooks on psychotherapy, psychosocial occupational therapy, and also qualitative research. Her three most recent books are psychotherapeutically focused: The therapeutic use of self in counselling & psychotherapy (Sage), Relational Integrative Psychotherapy: Engaging Process and Theory in Practice (Wiley) and Practical Ethics: A relational approach (Sage). She is currently the Editor of the European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy.  

(For further information please see: www.lindafinlay.co.uk)