Bespoke Members
Introduction
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a condition where the normal grieving process becomes persistent and debilitating, affecting daily functioning and well-being. This workshop aims to provide an overview of PGD, including its key symptoms, assessment strategies, and evidence-based treatment options. Participants will explore how cultural factors influence grief and how digital tools can support intervention. Interactive activities such as case studies, role-plays, and self-reflection exercises will facilitate practical learning. The session encourages discussion of challenges in clinical practice and sharing of experiences. Videos and examples will illustrate concepts and enhance understanding. By the end of the workshop, participants will gain practical skills for assessing and supporting individuals experiencing prolonged grief. The workshop emphasizes a balanced approach integrating knowledge, experiential learning, and reflection.
The event will be equivalent to 2.3/4hrs of CPD.
Content
This 3-hour workshop on Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is designed for mental health professionals to provide an overview of PGD with the latest information on grief assessment, treatment, and bereavement care. The session covers the background of PGD, including key symptoms, risk factors, and how it differs from normal grief. Participants learn assessment approaches using structured tools and practice skills through exercises. Evidence-based treatment options are discussed, including therapy techniques and practical strategies. The workshop addresses cultural influences on grief and encourages self-reflection on personal assumptions. Digital and innovative interventions, such as online therapy and digital support, are introduced and discussed. Participants engage in case studies and role-play to apply knowledge in realistic scenarios. Guided reflection exercises help explore emotional responses and professional practice implications. The session balances teaching, interactive activities, case discussions, and self-reflection. Videos and case examples are used to illustrate concepts.
Practical strategies for clinical application are emphasized throughout. Participants are encouraged to discuss challenges and share insights. The workshop includes time for questions and group discussion. Participants gain practical skills for assessment, planning, and supporting bereaved individuals. The workshop concludes with a summary of key points and resources for further learning. Overall, it will equip participants with a general understanding of PGD and strategies to support grief in diverse contexts.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the clinical features and epidemiology of PGD.
2. Learn evidence-based assessment tools and treatment approaches.
3. Explore cultural considerations and digital interventions for grief.
4. Apply knowledge through case studies, role-play, and self-reflection exercises.
Training Modalities
Didactic teaching, case studies, video demonstrations, self-reflection and journaling exercises, Q&A, digital interventions / online tools demonstrations.
Key References
Killikelly, C., Smith, K. v., Zhou, N., Prigerson, H. G., O’Connor, M. F., Kokou-Kpolou, C. K., Boelen, P. A., & Maercker, A. (2025). Prolonged grief disorder. The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00354-X
Simon, N. M., & Shear, M. K. (2024). Prolonged grief disorder. New England Journal of Medicine, 391(13), 1234–1242. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp2308707
Rosner, R., Rau, J., Kersting, A., Rief, W., Steil, R., Rummel, A.-M., Vogel, A., & Comtesse, H. (2024). Grief-Specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Present-Centered Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1001/JAMAPSYCHIATRY.2024.3409
Maciejewski, P. K., Maercker, A., Boelen, P. A., & Prigerson, H. G. (2016). “Prolonged grief disorder” and “persistent complex bereavement disorder”, but not “complicated grief”, are one and the same diagnostic entity: an analysis of data from the Yale Bereavement Study. World Psychiatry, 15(3), 266–275. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20348
Killikelly, C., Christen, L. M., Groen, S., Ogrodniczuk, J. S., Maercker, A., Smid, G. E., & Heim, E. (2025). Feasibility, Acceptability and Clinical Utility of the Bereavement and Grief Cultural Formulation Interview for Prolonged Grief Disorder. Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11013-025-09927-2/METRICS
Eklund, R., Eisma, M. C., Boelen, P. A., Arnberg, F. K., & Sveen, J. (2021). Mobile app for prolonged grief among bereaved parents: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 11(12). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052763
About the presenter
Prof. Dr. Clare Killikelly is a clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in grief, trauma, and mental health disorders. Her work focuses on understanding and treating Prolonged Grief Disorder, integrating cultural, developmental, and clinical perspectives. She has contributed to the clinical utility and global applicability of international diagnostic guidelines, including research informing the ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR criteria for PGD. Clare Killikelly is also engaged in developing evidence-based interventions and digital mental health tools to support bereaved individuals. Her research combines rigorous clinical methodology with a strong commitment to translating findings into practical mental health care solutions.
Who should attend
This event is geared towards health care practitioners working with bereaved individuals across a range of settings from primary care to specialized psychotherapy settings. It may be particularly helpful for health care workers who provide diagnosis, assessment or who may need to refer service users at risk for PGD or presenting with PGD.