The Intersection of Grief and Trauma: Attachment, Crisis and Integration

Live Online Workshop

Thursday, April 10, 2025
3:00 – 5:00pm ET

NYSED and ASWB/ACE approved for 2 CE contact hours

In this first workshop, The Intersection of Grief and Trauma: Attachment, Crisis and Integration, Dr. Abigail Nathanson, LCSW, DSW, APHSW-C, ACS will present and explore the deep connection between grief and trauma—both responses to sudden, life-altering changes that shape how we process emotions and seek safety. While grief and trauma share common attachment and nervous system dynamics, they are often mistaken for depression, anxiety, or even each other. Understanding their similarities and differences is key to providing thoughtful and effective clinical work. 

The presentation will start with an overview of grief theory and polyvagal trauma theory, focusing on how both develop through attachment and life experiences. Then, we’ll examine how grief and trauma show up in clients, offering a framework to help clinicians decide when and how to intervene. This presentation integrates theory, research, clinical wisdom, and real-world case examples.

Secure your spot and register today!

Note: This workshop will be recorded and made available for future purchase and viewing. Contact silver.zeldafosterstudies@nyu.edu for more information.

During this workshop participants will:

• Discuss the core principles of grief and how it differs from depression
• Describe the intersection between grief and trauma
• Identify three therapeutic techniques effective for both grief and trauma

Abigail Nathanson, LCSW, DSW

Abigail Nathanson, LCSW, DSW teaches Grief, Loss and Bereavement at New York University, and is a board-certified palliative social worker and trained trauma therapist, with advanced training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy and EMDR. Dr. Nathanson is the co-editor of the recently released textbook, The Practice of Clinical Social Work in Healthcare (Springer Press). She was the 2022 Educator of the Year from the Social Work Palliative and Hospice Network. Dr. Nathanson worked in hospitals and hospices for 15 years, and now runs a specialty group trauma therapy practice in New York, with a focus on care for those impacted by medical illness and loss.

General Admission: $75

Available Discounts:

• Current Practicum Instructors/Educational Coordinators: 10% discount ($67.50)
• NYU Silver Alumni: 10% discount ($67.50)

If after registering, you determine that you can no longer attend this event, The Office of Global and Lifelong Learning will issue refunds on the following basis:

• Refund requests made on or before April 3, 2025 (by midnight): full refund
• Refund requests made on or before April 7, 2025 (by midnight): 50% refund
• Refund requests made on or after April 8, 2025: no refund 

If this event is cancelled, all registrants will be fully reimbursed. To withdraw from and be reimbursed for this event, please complete the event withdrawal form.

NYSED and ASWB/ACE approved for 2 Continuing Education Contact Hours.

55 jurisdictions accept ACE-approved provider CE contact hours. ACE is not an approved Continuing Education provider in the states of New York (though NYU Silver is NYSED CE approved in NYS) and West Virginia, unless the event is outside of West VA. ACE only approves individual courses in New Jersey, though NYU Silver is CSWE-accredited and therefore accepted for licensed NJ professionals. Here is a full list of statutes related to social work CE.

Special Accommodations:
Students requiring accommodations have the opportunity to make these known upon registering or by writing to silver.continuingeducation@nyu.edu.

Addressing Grievances:
For information on our grievance and complaint procedures, contact 212.998.9099 or silver.continuingeducation@nyu.edu.

Note on Accessibility:
It is a priority to make our events inclusive and accessible. For any questions or to notify us of a request, please email silver.continuingeducation@nyu.edu at least 72 hours before the event.

NYU Silver School of Social Work
Office of Global and Lifelong Learning
285 Mercer Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10003

Email: silver.continuingeducation@nyu.edu
Phone: 212.998.5973
Fax: 212.995.4497