Chapter 15: Group Work:

Loss

Introduction to Group Work, 5th EditionEdited by David Capuzzi, Douglas R.

Gross, and Mark D. Stauffer

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

The Concept of Loss Inescapable and prevalent theme throughout our lives

Intricately tied to change and growth, loss and gain

Multifaceted Associated with

Homelessness Infertility Freedom Mental illness Miscarriage Chronic

illness Death Violence and war Power Terminal illness Relationships Aging Dementia Expectations

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Dealing With a Loss How an individual experiences a loss is as

individualized as our fingerprints. The greater the attachment to that which is lost, the

greater the impact of the loss. Bereavement is the objective situation of having lost

something significant. Grief is the process of experiencing the reactions to

the loss. Mourning is the process that helps the individual

adjust to the loss. Ripple effects created as a result of a primary loss

should be taken into consideration. A secondary loss is a physical or psychosocial loss that coincides with or develops as a result of the primary loss.

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

The Impact of a Loss

Depends on: whether the loss is temporary or permanent

the nature of the loss and how it occurred

previous history of significant losses psychological makeup of the individual whether the loss is visible or invisible

other life stressors

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

The Tasks of Mourning

Accepting the reality of the loss Experiencing the pain of grief Acknowledging and resolving conflicting feelings

Adjusting to a new environment Withdrawing and reinvesting emotional energy

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Feelings Associated With Loss

Anger Guilt Sadness Anxiety and helplessness Frustration Depression

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Purposes for Loss Groups

Support Shared feelings Developing coping skills Information and education Existential considerations

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Considerations in Conducting Loss Groups

Leadership Membership

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Discussion Focuses in the Chapter

Death of a partner Loss from life’s transitions Working with children after a loss

Application of brief approaches