Demystifying Disorders: Prolonged Grief Disorder

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Unlock the complexities of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and discover how it challenges the natural grieving process as defined in the DSM-5-TR. Explore how PGD differs from typical grief, with symptoms that persist beyond usual timelines. We'll guide you through the dual process model of grief and attachment theory, shedding light on why some individuals struggle to adapt naturally to loss. Our discussion also covers key assessment tools like the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13 (PG-13) and Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ), which are essential for evaluating the severity and impact of grief. Along the way, we introduce vital grief-related terms such as anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and disenfranchised grief, providing a thorough groundwork in understanding PGD.

Step into the therapeutic world with the poignant case of Sarah, who navigates the turbulent waters of PGD after losing her teenage son. We emphasize the importance of building a robust therapeutic alliance, and share strategies that help integrate loss into life's narrative without diminishing the memory of a loved one. Discover how cognitive restructuring, narrative reconstruction, and exposure-based techniques, including the impactful empty chair method, offer pathways to healing. This episode also underscores the delicate balance between validating profound grief and promoting healthy adaptation, while highlighting the increased suicide risk associated with PGD. Finally, we remind therapists to be mindful of their own grief journeys and potential countertransference, ensuring they remain effective in supporting clients on their path to recovery.

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This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.