Violent death accounts for 8% of all annual deaths nationally and is the leading cause of death for those under age 40. Unlike the internal and invisible dying of disease or old age, violent dying from an accident, natural disaster, suicide, homicide or terrorist attack involves an external drama, a fatal human act, and the story of that drama must be retold. Unlike natural dying, loved ones bereaved by violent dying are left with a narrative dilemma to tell two contradictory stories; the retelling of their loved one's life that is precious, and the retelling of the external drama of their loved one. Violent dying is horrifying and for some loved ones compulsive retelling of their dying may eclipse the retelling of their living.

This program provides clinicians, social workers, clergy and caregivers engaged in long-term support with families after a violent death, helpful strategies to diminish the emotional distress of violent dying bereavement. Instead of lectures, a panel of experts considers two case studies from video taped interviews with patients Dr. Ted Rynearson treated after the violent deaths of members of their families.

The panel discussion is divided into three sections corresponding with three common, psychological responses to a violent death. The responses roughly follow a predictable order, but are separable rather than discrete and occur in variable combinations.

This program covers:
Phase 1. Intense Separation & Trauma Distress
Phase 2. Reframing Dying and Nurturing Imagery
Phase 3. Meaningful Reengagement

***Two parts - Panel Discussion 47 minutes and Two Clinical Interviews: 62 minutes

THE PANELISTS:

Ted Rynearson, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Washington and Medical Director of the Homicide Support Project at the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

Dr. Charles Figley is a psychologist, family therapist and professor at the School of Social Work at Florida State University.

Dr Alison Salloum is with the clinical faculty of the Department of Psychiatry at Tulane University.

Janice Harris Lord, ACSW is a social worker and a Fellow in Thanatology with the Association of Death Education and Counseling.