Coping With Grief: Understanding and Adapting to Loss
Grief is a natural response to loss that can affect emotional, cognitive, physical, and interpersonal well-being. This presentation will review common grief reactions, factors that shape the grieving process, and the distinction between expected grief and prolonged grief disorder.
Dr. J. Kim Penberthy will introduce practical coping strategies, including mindfulness, self-compassion, social connection, manageable routines, and meaningful remembrance. Participants will also learn how to support grieving colleagues, friends, and family members and recognize when professional assistance may be beneficial.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Identify common grief reactions and factors that influence adaptation to loss.
- Distinguish expected grief from signs that additional professional support may be needed.
- Apply practical strategies for coping with grief and supporting others.
About Your Presenter
Dr. J. Kim Penberthy is the Chester F. Carlson Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Dr. Penberthy is a licensed board-certified clinical psychologist and distinguished clinician, educator, and researcher. Her work resides at the intersection of clinical psychology, contemplative science, and spiritually transformative experiences. A longstanding faculty member at UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS), her research explores the therapeutic implications of extraordinary human experiences, including near-death and after-death communications, as well as the clinical application of altered states of consciousness. Dr. Penberthy is currently leading a groundbreaking clinical trial investigating the use of psilocybin therapy for individuals suffering from prolonged grief disorder. Her work integrates rigorous scientific inquiry with a deep commitment to human flourishing, and she is widely recognized for advancing the understanding of consciousness, healing, and meaning making in clinical settings.
