John R. Jordan, Ph.D., instructor

The suicide of a loved one can have a profound and sometimes devastating impact on those left behind, called suicide survivors. Bereavement after suicide may entail high levels of disorientation, guilt, regret, anger and trauma. Survivors sometimes struggle with the social stigma often placed on suicide. Survivors may also be at risk for elevated rates of complicated grief and future suicidality themselves. This workshop will provide an intensive overview of the impact of suicide on survivors and the clinical and support responses that are needed after a suicide occurs. Keeping with the theme of Dr. Neimeyer’s presentation the workshop will offer a special focus on the challenge to meaning-making that suicide can present to survivors, and on narrative techniques that can help with the healing process. The workshop will include didactic presentation, group discussion, case examples from the presenter’s practice and video.

Upon completion of the program the student will be able to:

Program Code: GS68 
6 CE Credits
Location: at MSPP, Newton

John R. Jordan, Ph.D., FT, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Wellesley, MA and Pawtucket, RI, where he has specialized in work with survivors of suicide and other losses for more than 30 years. As a Fellow in Thanatology from the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), Jack maintains an active practice in grief counseling for individuals and couples. Jack is the Clinical Consultant for Grief Support Services of the Samaritans in Boston and the Professional Advisor to the Survivor Council of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Jack provides training nationally and internationally for therapists, healthcare professionals, and clergy through PESI Healthcare/CMI Education and AFSP. He has published in professional journals such as Omega, Death Studies, Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, Crisis, and Family Process. He is the co-author of After Suicide Loss: Coping with Your Grief, and the co-editor, with John McIntosh, of Bereavement After Suicide: Coping with the Consequences and Caring for the Survivors.