Shapes Of Grief podcast with Dr Susan Delaney on Complicated/prolonged Grief https://anchor.fm/shapes-of-grief/episodes/Ep–5-Dr-Susan-Delaney-on-the-essence-of-grief–prolonged-Grief–resilience-and-hope-e3c9u8/SusanDelaneyProlongedgrief-ab804u

Complicated grief is an intense and long-lasting form of grief that can take over a person’s life. It is natural to experience acute grief after someone close dies, but complicated grief is different. Complicated grief is a form of grief that takes hold of a person’s mind and won’t let go. People with complicated grief often say that they feel ‘stuck’. Treatment for complicated grief differs from bereavement counselling or therapy. Possible symptoms of complicated grief include:

• Pangs of grief are persistent, prolonged and/or very intense.

• Difficulty accepting the finality of the death with persistent intense yearning/longing.

• Inability to perform the usual tasks of day to day living.

• Preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased.

• Normal tasks seem overwhelming and require a lot of energy.

• Social withdrawal and avoidance are pronounced.

• High death anxiety/preoccupation with death.

• Over-Idealisation of the deceased.

• Rigid/ritualistic behaviour.

• Chronic anger.

Complicated Grief Therapy (developed by M. Katherine Shear, MD) is a research-validated composite psychotherapy treatment protocol that has shown better response rates than interpersonal psychotherapy for people presenting with complicated grief. Liz is available for Complicated Grief assessment and treatment. 

Liz Gleeson is a psychotherapist in private practice in Co. Wicklow. She is curator of the Shapes Of Grief Podcast and presents internationally on grief-related themes. She has an MA in Dramatherapy, MSc Bereavement Studies, MA Counselling & Psychotherapy and is currently a Phd Student. Liz is creator of the award-winning Shapes Of Grief online Grief Education Programme for mental health professionals, a global online project, and she teaches on the MSc Bereavement Studies at RCSI/Irish Hospice Foundation. Sign-up to the programme at www.shapesofgrief.com.

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