Training to help those grieving a sudden loss (AUDIO)

How to help persons suffering from the traumatic loss of a loved one is the subject of an intensive three-day training session beginning October 1 in Lexington. The session called “Grief and Mourning – Advanced Therapeutic Strategies” is sponsored by the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of South Carolina and the state chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The workshop is designed for professionals who deal with death and bereavement including clergy, mental health counselors,  hospice workers and volunteers. Noted clinical psychologist, Dr. Therese Rando will conduct the session. State Police Chaplain Eric Skidmore says Rando is one of the country’s foremost authorities on grief, bereavement and mourning.

Skidmore notes that the training is also relevant for individuals working with post-traumatic stress associated with critical incidents and war. Skidmore says the goal of the three-day session is to arm caregivers with the abilities and knowledge essential in helping people who have suffered a traumatic loss.

Skidmore says in his experience as State Police Chaplain, he has seen persons in the early moments of a traumatic event involving the loss of a loved one. Skidmore says it is very important that those persons be surrounded by people they know, love and trust, especially in those early moments when the initial shock of the news of the death sets in.

Skidmore says the grieving process is actually a journey that takes years to reach an acceptance that a loved one has been lost.

 AUDIO: Rev. Skidmore on working with people affected by a traumatic loss 1:49

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