5th Edition of Addiction World Conference 2026

Speakers - AWC 2026

Jorja Jamison - 5th Edition of Addiction World Conference AWC 2026

Jorja Jamison

Jorja Jamison

  • Designation: Professor at Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School
  • Country: USA
  • Title: Resilience in Counseling Processing Grief for the Addictions Counselor

Abstract

Grief and loss are regular occurrences in the counseling profession. Whether it be personal loss, the loss of a client, or counseling clients through their grief, grief is an inescapable process in counseling. Unresolved grief can lead to competency issues in counseling and could lead to malfeasance of clients. This talk aims to answer the question: How do we continue counseling when we experience our own grief and loss as counselors? This talk will examine the role that counselors play in grief counseling, as well as examine how counselors can manage and process their own grief through their counseling practice. The goal of this talk is to begin the conversation surrounding grief for counselors and assess the gaps in care for counselors when grief and loss occurs. A focus on resilience through grief will predominate the discussion.