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Forward2025 Bereavement Conference: Using the Empty Chair Technique with Bereaved Parents: A Case Study
Presentation Summary:
Chair work with bereaved parents creates a unique therapeutic space in which a deeply-desired dialogue between surviving parent and deceased child can be simulated. Drawing on concepts and methods used in Gestalt therapy, psychodrama, and several evidence-based grief treatment protocols, practitioners can facilitate a life-like exchange between the two parties in which questions can be asked and answered, unfinished business addressed, and love and caring expressed. The presenter will briefly review theory and principles informing chair work, then present videotape excerpts from an actual therapy session where a bereaved parent addressed his deceased son. Discussion will follow.
Target Audience
This educational activity is designed for professionals and lay persons involved in the care of the dying and bereaved, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors, chaplains/clergy, hospice workers, allied health professionals, funeral directors, and volunteers.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, the attendee should be able to:
- Define principles of self-multiplicity, information exchange, and transformation which underlie effective chair work.
- Describe a three-step process for therapeutic chair work based on psychodramatic techniques: warm-up, action, reflection.
- Discuss potential application of chair work with bereaved parents seeking to re-connect” with their deceased child.
Friday, September 26, 2025 | ||
8:45 - 9:05 AM | Registration and Continental Breakfast | Musical entertainment/Kenneth Sewell, PhD |
9:05 - 9:15AM | Welcome and Introductory Remarks | Louis Gamino, PhD, ABPP, FT Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor Scott & White Health Radha Kambhampati Psychiatry Department Chair, Baylor Scott & White Health |
9:15 - 10:45 AM | Soul Survivors: Tending to the Aftermath of Homicide for Black Communities | Professor, University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work Endowed Chair in Social Work in the Global Community Founder & Director of the Centre for Research & Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims (The CRIB) |
10:45 - 11:00 AM | Break | |
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | The Journey of Suicide Grief |
Rabbi emeritus of Temple Emanu El, Cleveland, Ohio (35 years) Fellow in Thanatology (FT) by the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) |
12:30 - 1:15 PM | Lunch (Special Presentation) | Kenneth W. Sewell, PhD Vice President for Research, Oklahoma State University |
1:15 - 2:45 PM | When a Counselor Grieves: Balancing Boundaries and Self-disclosure | Adjunct Instructor: Department of Applied Psychology NYU & Grief Therapist and Thanatologist in Private Practice |
2:45 - 3:00 PM | Break | |
3:00 - 4:30 PM | Using the Empty Chair Technique with Bereaved Parents: A Case Study | Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor Scott & White Health Program Director: Baylor Scott & White Biennial BSWH Conferences Director: Division of Psychology, Baylor Scott & White Health Past President (2018-2019), Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) |
To view the conference grievance procedure - Click Here
Louis Gamino, PhD, ABPP, FT
Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science
Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor Scott & White Health
Program Director: Baylor Scott & White Biennial BSWH Conferences
Director: Division of Psychology, Baylor Scott & White Health
Past President (2018-2019), Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)
References:
Neimeyer, R. A., Pitcho-Prelorentzos, S., & Mahat-Shamir, M. (2021). “If only … ”: Counterfactual thinking in bereavement. Death Studies, 45(9), 692–701. https://doi:10.1080/07481187.2019.1679959
Pugh, M., Dixon, A., & Bell, T. (2023). Chairwork and the therapeutic relationship: Can the cart join the horse? Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79, 1615-1626. https://doi:10.1002/jclp.23473
Rynearson, E. K. (2018). Disabling reenactment imagery after violent dying. Death Studies, 42(1), 4–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2017.1370411
The A. Webb Roberts Center of Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Physicians - The A. Webb Roberts Center of Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Social Work - This program has been screened and determined to be related to the practice of social work to the best of our ability. The Behavioral Health Executive Council will make the final determination as to whether the activity claimed by the licensee is directly related to the practice of social work.
Psychologists - The A. Webb Roberts Center of Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The A. Webb Roberts Center of Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health maintains responsibility for this program its content. This program provides up to 6 CE credits. Credit is based on a session by session basis.
Licensed Professional Counselors - This program has been screened and determined to be related to the practice of LPC to the best of our ability. The Council shall make the determination as to whether the activity claimed by the licensee is directly related to the practice of licensed professional counselors. This program provides up to 6 CE credits.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists - This program has been screened and determined to be related to the practice of LMFT to the best of our ability. The Council shall make the determination as to whether the activity claimed by the licensee is directly related to the practice of marriage and family therapy. This program provides up to 6 CE credits.
Chaplains - Association of Professional Chaplains states the credit recognized by approved provides, eg. Continuing Medical Education, can be counted for continuing education credit for chaplains. This will provide 6 Category 1 credits.
Available Credit
- 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
- 1.50 American Psychological AssociationThe A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- 1.50 Attendance
REGISTRATION FEE: $200
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Refunds (less $50 administrative fee) will be provided to registrants who cancel their registration two weeks prior to the course if cancellation by registrant becomes necessary. Refunds will be processed in the same form of payment as registration was received.
Right to Cancel or Postpone
Baylor Scott & White Health (BSWH) reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event that BSWH must cancel or postpone this course, the registration fee will be fully refunded. BSWH is not responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses to participants, including fees assessed by airline, travel or lodging agencies.
Special needs:
Please notify CME Department in writing of any special needs/accommodations during registration or at least two weeks prior to conference date by emailing: [email protected]