Products and Resources Catalog

Mental health professionals and school mental health personnel often do not receive intensive training on helping patients manage grief, loss, and bereavement, particularly grief related to situations seen during this pandemic. This series of fact sheets, developed by the MHTTC Network, is designed to help mental health professionals and school mental health personnel support patients, students, and families who may be experiencing grief at any time, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this sheet, we discuss preventive strategies and protective resources for complicated grief. Below, you can find the links to the other fact sheets in the series: Fact Sheet #1 - Introduction to the Fact Sheet Series and Defining Grief: In this sheet, we define grief and differentiate between normative or uncomplicated grief from prolonged or complicated grief. Fact Sheet #2 - Responses to Grief Across the Lifespan: In this sheet, we discuss differences in grief reactions based on developmental level. Fact Sheet #4 - Cultural Responsiveness: In this fact sheet, we describe differences in cultural expressions of grief. Fact Sheet #5 - Evidence-Based Treatments for Grief: In this sheet, we highlight evidence-based treatments for managing grief.

Mental health professionals and school mental health personnel often do not receive intensive training on helping patients manage grief, loss, and bereavement, particularly grief related to situations seen during this pandemic. This series of fact sheets, developed by the MHTTC Network, is designed to help mental health professionals and school mental health personnel support patients, students, and families who may be experiencing grief at any time, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this sheet, we describe differences in cultural expressions of grief. Below, you can find the links to the other fact sheets in the series: Fact Sheet #1 - Introduction to the Fact Sheet Series and Defining Grief: In this sheet, we define grief and differentiate between normative or uncomplicated grief from prolonged or complicated grief. Fact Sheet #2 - Responses to Grief Across the Lifespan: In this sheet, we discuss differences in grief reactions based on developmental level. Fact Sheet #3 - Preventive Strategies and Protective Factors: In this sheet, we discuss preventive strategies and protective resources for complicated grief. Fact Sheet #5 - Evidence-Based Treatments for Grief: In this sheet, we highlight evidence-based treatments for managing grief.

Mental health professionals and school mental health personnel often do not receive intensive training on helping patients manage grief, loss, and bereavement, particularly grief related to situations seen during this pandemic. This series of fact sheets, developed by the MHTTC Network, is designed to help mental health professionals and school mental health personnel support patients, students, and families who may be experiencing grief at any time, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this sheet, we highlight evidence-based treatments for managing grief. Below, you can find the links to the other fact sheets in the series: Fact Sheet #1 - Introduction to the Fact Sheet Series and Defining Grief: In this sheet, we define grief and differentiate between normative or uncomplicated grief from prolonged or complicated grief. Fact Sheet #2 - Responses to Grief Across the Lifespan: In this sheet, we discuss differences in grief reactions based on developmental level. Fact Sheet #3 - Preventive Strategies and Protective Factors: In this sheet, we discuss preventive strategies and protective resources for complicated grief. Fact Sheet #4 - Cultural Responsiveness: In this fact sheet, we describe differences in cultural expressions of grief.

Monthly e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.  September 2020 focus: National Recovery Month. 

Session three Rural but Reachable: How to Build Grief Support by Creating Community This session addressed the unique qualities of our rural environments which lend people to create community surrounding the common denominator of grief. Attendees explored the ways in which they can start developing connections in their own communities to support those in grief and individuals experiencing loss. Finally, this session discussed the ways that COVID-19 has changed community and connections in rural settings and discussed ways to support others as grief and loss become a more common experience.   Slide deck Recording   Trainer Cynthia Drake                Three-part Series on Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness  Social isolation and loneliness are complex conditions that can have increased consequences for individuals living in rural and remote communities. The current COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the challenges faced by providers working in rural communities in identifying and responding to the needs of individuals who may be experiencing increased social isolation and loneliness. This series aims to provide an overview of the topic, and novel ways to support providers in responding to the needs of the individuals they serve.   Session one Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness: Rates, Importance, and Identifying Risk July 14, 2020 In this session, participants learned about loneliness and social isolation among older adults in rural and urban areas. Dr. Henning Smith reviewed existing data, what we know, how social isolation and loneliness are unique in rural areas, and how rural social isolation is a health and mortality risk factor. She discussed what has changed as a result of the current health pandemic, how to prepare rural providers to ask questions to determine isolation/loneliness, and what can be done for rural people who are experiencing isolation/loneliness.   Session One Resources   Trainer Carrie Henning-Smith, PhD, MPH, MSW     Session two The Evolving Nature of Social Connections: Promoting Well-Being in Times of Crisis July 22, 2020 This session addressed programs designed to make connections between and among individuals and organizations to promote well-being in the aging population. Social Connect: Mindful Stress Management is a six-session program delivered virtually through a Zoom platform or telephonically. The program was revised during the early stages of the current pandemic to address the concern of increasing isolation among the elderly population. Social Connect draws on mind-body stress management strategies, in particular, Mindfulness-Based Stress Management. The session will provide the overview of the program, conceptual foundation, program elements, and lessons learned from the first pilot offerings. Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) is a non-profit organization designated by the Minnesota Board on Aging as the Area Agency on Aging for the 14 county Central Minnesota region. In partnership with public and private organizations, CMCOA helps older adults age successfully by building community capacity, advocating for aging issues, maximizing service effectiveness, and linking people with information.  Chisago Age Well is one of four Silos to Circles communities whose mission is to increase awareness of, access to, and satisfaction with, existing services and health resources in the community.    Session Two Resources   Trainers Natalie Matthewson, MA, LPC Rebecca Hostetler Darcy Rylander, BS, RYT, NBC-HWC Steve Hoover, PhD              Additional Resources Rural Mental Health Resources

Dr. Pauline Boss will explain ambiguous loss, its effects, its differences from ordinary loss and PTSD, and its complicating grief. She presents six culturally inclusive guidelines for treatment and intervention, useful regardless of your discipline. She also addresses self-of-the-therapist issues for these uncertain times. Dr. Boss is the author of many books, including  Loss, Trauma, and Resilience: Therapeutic Work with Ambiguous Loss (W.W. Norton, 2006) and Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief (Harvard University Press, 2000) Presenter:  Dr. Pauline Boss is an educator and researcher who is widely recognized for her groundbreaking research on what is now known as the theory of ambiguous loss. Dr. Boss is known as a pioneer in the interdisciplinary study of family stress. For over 30 years, her work has focused on connecting family science and sociology with family therapy and psychology. Her multidisciplinary perspective has allowed her to work as a scientist-practitioner to develop theory that guides practice.The importance of her work on ambiguous loss is validated by her election to three different professional organizations: the American Psychological Association, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and the National Council on Family Relations. Read Dr. Boss’s complete bio here.   PPT_AmbiguousLoss_Dr.Boss_6.12.20 Q/A_AmbiguousLoss_Dr.Boss_6.12.20 Transcript_AmbiguousLoss_Dr.Boss_6.12.20

Talking about death and dying is always difficult, but communicating to families during pandemics like COVID-19 poses special challenges. This presentation discusses strategies for respectfully communicating with Latino families about COVID related end of life issues.

About this Resource:  Life, as we knew it just a few weeks ago, has been completely turned upside down. That feeling you are feeling but can’t seem to describe in words may be grief. People are experiencing the loss of jobs, school, hugs, social connections, sports, graduations, weddings, funerals, it seems that every area of our life has been touched. We can’t even go to the grocery store without worry and stress. And if we were already grieving a loss, coping can be complicated. What do we do with this surreal feeling of disorientation? How do we recognize the signs and symptoms of grief and how do we cope? This webinar will give you an overview of what grief looks like at any time but especially during a time of ambiguous loss. We will talk about how to care for yourself and others in a time of uncertainty.   >> Presentation PDF >> Q&A Document   Key Learning Objectives: To define ambiguous loss To identify the signs and symptoms of grief To understand the difference between grief and mourning To identify ways of coping with grief To know when and how to ask for support   Learn more about the event here. The Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center is partnering with Forefront Suicide Prevention Center to bring you training and Q&A session with Charlene Ray on Ambiguous Loss: Grieving in the Time of COVID-19, Followed by Live Q&A Session. This event is part of The Well-Being Series - Connections During COVID-19: Mental Wellness Webinars for Families and Educators. Click here to learn more about our series of webinars for kids, parents, and educators, focusing on mental wellness and suicide prevention. Want more information and school mental health resources? Visit the Northwest MHTTC's School Mental Health page and sign up for our monthly newsletter for regular updates about events, trainings, and resources available to the Northwest region.

Original Webinar Date: 05/28/2020 This is the second in a three-part webinar series. (Part One, Part Three)   Bereavement outside the context of a crisis is common – the vast majority of children experience the death of a close family member or friend. These deaths have a significant and often long-term impact on learning, social and emotional development, behavior, and adjustment. This presentation provides practical suggestions on how schools can talk with and support grieving children in general. The current pandemic is associated with a large and growing number of deaths. Physical distancing, including lengthy school closures, makes it difficult for schools to provide support to grieving students using traditional means. This presentation also highlights the unique challenges for supporting students during the pandemic and describe free resources from the Coalition to Support Grieving Students that can be used to address these challenges.   By participating in the session, participants will be able to: Explain death to a young child Advise educators on what not to say and how to initiate conversations Feel comfortable supporting a student of a different cultural background Describe ambiguous loss and understand how knowledge of grief applies to loss other than bereavement, including during the current pandemic Recommend accommodations for grieving students, which is also relevant for students adjusting to the pandemic or other traumatic experiences Understand secondary losses and the impact they have on grieving students Anticipate and address grief triggers in school settings

Session Three: Understanding Grief and Increasing Wellness Trauma-Informed Learning for Early Childhood Educators Series May 21, 2020 This session focused on the grief that different traumatic experiences can trigger, including the current pandemic. By understanding that the experience of grief can be used to build resilience, this session provides participants with tools needed to build and cultivate resilience within themselves to accomplish this for themselves and the children they work with. Other topics that were covered include the stages of grief and variability within those stages; the developmental psychology of grief; strategies for building and promoting resilience practices that foster connection and wellness among children, staff, and communities. Slide deck  Recording My Personal Wellness Wheel from Resilient Futures Self Care Tips Sheet Developmental Responses to COVID-19 Trauma from Resilient Futures   Learning objectives for this series: Learn evidence-based practices that teach children how to replace trauma-based coping strategies with resilience-based strategies. Understand and develop strategies to address trauma-based inequities in your systems and raise equity. Review and practice several evidence-based wellness and resilience practices.   Early Childhood Educator Training Series Session one: Understanding Trauma and Stress Session two: Cultural Humility and Responsiveness

Original Webinar Date: 04/14/2020 This is the first in a three-part webinar series. (Part Two, Part Three)   Commemorative activities and memorialization in schools present opportunities for students and staff to take an active role in constructing an enduring memory related to a crisis event and to honor those whose lives were lost. As such, they can be important to help promote adjustment and recovery. But people, whether students, their families, or staff, often have very different -- and strong -- views about what should be done. If not done thoughtfully, the process can be contentious. This session reviews key considerations for planning commemorative and memorial activities in school settings. Presenter David Schonfeld, MD, FAAP, will draw from over 30 years of experience in helping schools and communities through this process.   Participants will be able to: Anticipate and address spontaneous memorials in a school setting Guide the process of incorporating student input into the process so that the activities are developmentally appropriate and of relevance to the students Discuss the pros and cons of various forms of commemoration Anticipate resistance that may be seen among students and staff related to commemoration and memorialization Describe relevant policies schools should consider implementing related to commemoration and memorialization

Original Webinar Date: 04/29/2020 No crisis response is perfect. Crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic we are in, will reveal gaps in crisis preparedness. While it can be hard to reflect on our preparedness while we are focused on responding to the crisis at hand, this session will create space to learn and adapt. During this presentation, Dr. Stephen Brock guides us through key school crisis preparedness actions. He provides an overview of the third edition of PREPaRE, a curriculum that contains current research and strategies for integrated school safety and crisis prevention, planning, response, and recovery efforts. He also discusses how to adjust school crisis response plans to accommodate the reality of a global pandemic. Yesmina Luchsinger shares her crisis planning and response lessons learned as a state leader, including the development and dissemination process of the Pandemic Preparedness Guide the state released in March 2020.

The recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted mental health providers and all who provide support and care in unanticipated ways. This webinar will provide attendees with a brief overview of how the body can react to the stress and trauma related to COVID-19. In this webinar, we will introduce several evidence-based strategies to reduce anxiety, distress, and hyperarousal.   View and Download Presentation Slides, Transcript, and Breathing Exercise

Additional Resources   The recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted mental health providers and all who provide support and care in unanticipated ways. This webinar will provide attendees with a brief overview of how the body can react to the stress and trauma related to COVID-19. In this webinar, we will introduce several evidence-based strategies to reduce anxiety, distress, and hyperarousal.

Webinar recording   The recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Rutgers University-SHP community in unanticipated ways. This webinar will provide Rutgers SHP faculty, staff, and students with a brief overview of how the body reacts to unmitigated stress and trauma related to Covid19. In this webinar, we will introduce two strategies proven to reduce anxiety, distress, and hyperarousal. This session is facilitated by Amy Banko, Giovanna Giacobbe, Brittany Stone - faculty members of the SHP Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Profession

The Pacific Southwest MHTTC curated a series of topical resource sheets to help you find high-quality tools and information on caring for yourself, your families, and the communities you serve. This resource sheet focuses on trainings and guidance for health care providers, mental health practitioners, and social workers. It also includes resources on the topics of telehealth, grief, COVID-19 communications, and supporting older adults. Click the "View Resource" link above to download, or view all available resource sheet topics.

Understanding and Managing our Reaction to COVID-19: Part II Powerpoint Slides   The recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Rutgers University-SHP community in unanticipated ways. This webinar will provide Rutgers SHP faculty, staff, and students with a brief overview of how the body reacts to unmitigated stress and trauma related to Covid19. In this webinar, we will introduce two strategies proven to reduce anxiety, distress, and hyperarousal. This session is facilitated by Amy Banko, Giovanna Giacobbe, Brittany Stone - faculty members of the SHP Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions.

Understanding and Managing our Reaction to COVID-19: Part II Professional Quality of Life Scale   The recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Rutgers University-SHP community in unanticipated ways. This webinar will provide Rutgers SHP faculty, staff, and students with a brief overview of how the body reacts to unmitigated stress and trauma related to Covid19. In this webinar, we will introduce two strategies proven to reduce anxiety, distress, and hyperarousal. This session is facilitated by Amy Banko, Giovanna Giacobbe, Brittany Stone - faculty members of the SHP Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions.

Understanding and Managing our Reaction to COVID-19: Part II Transcript   The recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Rutgers University-SHP community in unanticipated ways. This webinar will provide Rutgers SHP faculty, staff, and students with a brief overview of how the body reacts to unmitigated stress and trauma related to Covid19. In this webinar, we will introduce two strategies proven to reduce anxiety, distress, and hyperarousal. This session is facilitated by Amy Banko, Giovanna Giacobbe, Brittany Stone - faculty members of the SHP Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions.

Faculty Strategies for Supporting Students During COVID-19 Powerpoint Slides   This session is designed to offer strategies to faculty to enable them to support their students during this challenging time.  Topics will include best practices in the current teaching environment, an overview of student responses to the pandemic and related stressors, and tips on how to support students from a distance.  We will also share ideas about self-care for faculty and offer opportunities for discussion. This session is facilitated by Ken Kinter, Dawn Reinhardt-Wood, and Michelle Zechner - faculty members of the SHP Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions.  

Faculty Strategies for Supporting Students During COVID-19 Transcript   This session is designed to offer strategies to faculty to enable them to support their students during this challenging time.  Topics will include best practices in the current teaching environment, an overview of student responses to the pandemic and related stressors, and tips on how to support students from a distance.  We will also share ideas about self-care for faculty and offer opportunities for discussion. This session is facilitated by Ken Kinter, Dawn Reinhardt-Wood and Michelle Zechner - faculty members of the SHP Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions.  

The recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Rutgers University-SHP community in unanticipated ways. This webinar will provide Rutgers SHP faculty, staff, and students with a brief overview of how the body reacts to unmitigated stress and trauma related to Covid19. In this webinar, we will introduce two strategies proven to reduce anxiety, distress, and hyperarousal. This session is facilitated by Amy Banko, Giovanna Giacobbe, Brittany Stone - faculty members of the SHP Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions.   Understanding and Managing our Reaction to COVID-19: Part II Powerpoint Slides Understanding and Managing our Reaction to COVID-19: Part II Professional Quality of Life Scale Understanding and Managing our Reaction to COVID-19: Part II Transcript

This session is designed to offer strategies to faculty to enable them to support their students during this challenging time.  Topics will include best practices in the current teaching environment, an overview of student responses to the pandemic and related stressors, and tips on how to support students from a distance.  We will also share ideas about self-care for faculty and offer opportunities for discussion. This session is facilitated by Ken Kinter, Dawn Reinhardt-Wood and Michelle Zechner - faculty members of the SHP Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions.     Faculty Strategies for Supporting Students During COVID-19 Powerpoint Slides Faculty Strategies for Supporting Students During COVID-19 Transcript

The recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Rutgers University-SHP community in unanticipated ways. This webinar will provide Rutgers SHP faculty, staff, and students with a brief overview of how the body reacts to unmitigated stress and trauma related to Covid19. In this webinar, we will introduce two strategies proven to reduce anxiety, distress, and hyperarousal. This session is facilitated by Amy Banko, Giovanna Giacobbe, Brittany Stone - faculty members of the SHP Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions.   View Webinar Recording