Anticipating the death of a terminally Ill child: issues of anticipatory and ambiguous grief
November 11, 2026
Live Zoom Webinar
CE credits: 2 clinical CE
Learning Objective:
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Define and integrate anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss.
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Identify, assess expected symptoms presentation as it relates to anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss.
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Managing family dynamics and facilitating productive communication, boundaries within the family system
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Identifying caregiver needs and self care
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Identify the child’s grief process and individual needs as they relate to the self and within the family system.
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Conceptualize, describe and differentiate needs within the family system to include each individual person’s needs and the needs of the family unit.
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Educate and identify barriers in the healthcare system that can affect coping, caring for and living with terminal or chronic disease.
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Obtain a “tool kit” that aids in treatment planning for the child,
6:00-6:10pm
Welcome description of Course objectives
6:10-6:50pm
Issues of Anticipatory and Ambiguous Grief : Definition, Symptoms Presentation and Treatment.
6:50-7:20pm
Discussing end of life care and dying with the Child and within the family system
7:20-7:55pm
Management of Illness and Medical Care.
7:40-7:55pm
Support and Treatment when a child dies
7:55-8:00pm
Q&A
Course Description and registration details
This course is designed for LCSWs, PhDs, PsyDs, LPCs, and LSWs who work with families and children living with chronic or terminal illnesses. In this course, clinicians will gain an understanding of and clearly define both anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss as they relate to children with chronic or terminal disease and their caregivers and families. The curriculum will cover caregiving issues and family dynamics, as well as how to discuss diagnoses, prognoses, and end-of-life topics such as end-of-life care and dying within the family system. Additionally, attendees will gain an understanding of medical care management and how navigating the healthcare system can impact emotional well-being and mental health. Finally, the course will explore how to integrate the concept of hope and its impactful significance while supporting children, families, and caregivers as they navigate this difficult life experience and grieving process. Participants will earn 2 clinical CE credits upon completion of the course and the course evaluation.