Disenfranchised Grief: History and Contemporary Applications

Overview:

Dr. Kenneth J. Doka published his seminal book, Disenfranchised Grief: Recognizing Hidden Sorrow, 35 years ago. Grief experts are now using Dr. Doka’s concept to describe and support the grief experiences of often overlooked populations. Join Dr. Doka as he discusses what led him to identify disenfranchised grief, along with psychotherapist Doneley Meris and Dr. Tangela Sawyerr, who apply Dr. Doka’s work to loss in the LGBTQ+ community and adult sibling loss.

Panelists:

• Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, MDiv, is Senior Vice President, Grief Programs at Hospice Foundation of America
• Doneley Meris, MSW, FT, CT, a grief psychotherapist, bereavement counseling mentor and training consultant
• Tangela C. Sawyerr, DSW, MA, MSW, LSW, is an Assistant Director of Student Affairs and
  Assistant Professor of Teaching at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey