EP 127: Understanding Traumatic Grief

NASW Social Work Talks Podcast

Grief and trauma are universal experiences and, as social workers, we know these issues will show up in our work, no matter our practice area. Grief is an inevitable part of life—but trauma can make the grieving process much more complex. That’s where the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing comes in. With decades of experience, they provide critical support to individuals and communities navigating the intersection of grief and trauma. Since 1975, the Wendt Center has been a lifeline for people in the Greater Washington area, helping them rebuild a sense of safety and hope after loss, illness, violence, or other trauma. Nationally recognized for their expertise, they offer specialized support to children, adults, families, and communities, helping them heal from life’s most challenging experiences. In this episode, our host, NASW Member Elisabeth Joy LaMotte, LICSW chats with Melissa Sellevaag, LICSW, who leads the Wendt Center’s Training Institute, to discuss how mental health professionals and allied workers can increase their capacity and confidence to support those impacted by grief and trauma. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on a critical topic that touches us all.

Tune in, learn, and share.

Guest:
Melissa Sellevaag, LICSW, Director of the Training Institute at the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing

Posted Feb 27, 2025

Read a transcript of episode 127

Watch episode 127 on YouTube

Show Notes

To learn more about the Wendt Center’s upcoming trainings, please visit their website:
Wendt Center For Loss & Healing | Grief and Trauma

Learn more about how to understand and navigate post traumatic grief, consider this reading list below:

• Megan Devine, “It's Ok That You're Not Ok.”
• William Worden, “Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy.”
• Alan Wolfelt, “Companioning the Bereaved.”
• Mary-Francis O'Connor, “The Grieving Brain.”
• Judith L. Herman, MD, “Trauma and Recovery.”