Understanding Disenfranchised Grief and Betrayal Trauma

Dr. Jessica Lamar, Licensed Mental Health Therapist, explores unseen wounds and understanding disenfranchised grief and betrayal trauma. What is disenfranchised grief, and why does it matter? Dr. Lamar overs betrayal trauma, emotional and psychological impact, healing, and support strategies. She and Tami then answer participant questions about grief and boundaries, conversations and resources that are available to help navigate grief.

TAKEAWAYS:

[:30] Intro.

[2:58] Defining ambiguous loss – am I even in grief?

[4:40] Disenfranchised grief is a loss that is not openly acknowledged, socially validated or publicly mourned.

[6:02] Examples of disenfranchised grief as it relates to betrayal trauma.

[11:30] Ambiguous losses that are associated with betrayal trauma.

[13:56] When betrayal occurs, the resulting grief is often disenfranchised.

[15:47] Statements that are commonly heard in disenfranchised grief.

[18:36] The psychological and emotional impact of disenfranchised grief.

[24:12] Strategies for empowering ourselves after loss.

[27:34] Common ways we invalidate grief after betrayal.