Ambiguous Loss

While you might be familiar with grief and loss in the traditional sense of the death of a loved one, many are not familiar with the term ambiguous loss.  Ambiguous loss refers to a non-death loss that is unclear and unresolved.  Frequently, ambiguous loss refers to the loss or change of a relationship due to any number of factors including but not limited to a divorce or a break up, a loved one’s illness such as dementia, or a loved one’s absence due to substance use.  Most of us will experience an ambiguous loss in our lifetime.  In these workshops, we will also look at other losses through the lens of ambiguous loss such as the loss of health and the loss of hopes, dreams, or expectations.

It’s often uncomfortable to talk about grief and loss.  Ambiguous grief and loss is no exception and it can often be particularly difficult because we don’t have a script for it or socially acceptable ways to publicly grieve these losses.  These workshops will work to normalize and validate the experience of ambiguous loss by defining it, exploring how it affects us, outlining ways to support those who are on their journeys through it, and offering some tools that may provide support towards healing.

These workshops are open to anyone who is currently experiencing ambiguous loss, has experienced ambiguous loss, is looking for information on how to support someone else who is experiencing ambiguous loss, or is just looking for more information on this vast topic.  These workshops are educational in nature and are not substitutes for therapy or any other medical or mental health treatment.  While there will be some opportunity for group discussion to encourage engagement in the material, you will not be required to participate in the discussions or to share anything you are not comfortable with sharing.

There are two sessions in this workshop series.  Although the second session will build upon the first, the first session is not a prerequisite to attend the second.  The first session will focus on an overview of ambiguous loss with definitions and dynamics as well as some ways to support ambiguous grievers.  The second session will include a brief review, a focus on specific scenarios in which ambiguous loss might be seen, and an additional focus on ways to support ambiguous grievers and tools that may support healing.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH SESSION. ATTEND ONE OR BOTH SESSIONS. 

Link to the session will be provided via email following registration. 

About the Facilitator:

Skye White, LICSW is a psychotherapist in the Seattle area.  She has worked in the field of social services since 2012 with experience in both non-profit and medical settings working with populations such as survivors of domestic violence, unhoused individuals, and others.  She earned a Masters of Social Work in 2016 and has been in private practice since 2020.  With diverse professional experience, Skye has had the opportunity to work with many types of presenting issues.  Her practice now focuses on issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, chronic illness, and grief.  In addition to her work as a therapist, she facilitates support groups through the Center for Chronic Illness and has also offered training on topics such as chronic illness and grief.  In her time away from work, Skye likes to read, dance, draw, paint, and dote on her cat.