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Ambiguous Grief and Loss in Narcissistic and Emotionally Abusive Relationships

Ambiguous Grief and Loss in Narcissistic and Emotionally Abusive Relationships

Aug. 8, 2026

10:00 AM - 1:15 PM (EST)

Virtual Event
3 CE Credits
Grief work is inextricably intertwined with healing from trauma and abuse, making it imperative that we understand its role and impact. In this training, we will explore the role that complex grief and ambiguous loss play in healing from narcissistic abuse.

This training is designed to help clinicians to recognize,  understand, and support clients through processing the complex grief and  ambiguous losses they may encounter in a narcissistic or emotionally abusive  relationship. Clinicians will learn how healing from narcissistic abuse  introduces changes in the relationship, which may lead to ambiguous grief and  loss such as estrangement. Attendees will also learn what makes grief and loss  in abusive relationships complex, including grieving a relationship that, while  abusive and harmful, also included familial/romantic love. Attendees will  learn to understand grief and loss as it occurs on multiple levels and  directions, including grief for events of the past, present and future.  Finally, this training will help clinicians understand the importance of  honoring this complex grief as a necessary part of healing.

Session Highlights
  • The role of grief in healing from narcissistic abuse
  • What makes grief complex and loss ambiguous
  • Grieving in multiple dimensions simultaneously
  • Normalizing the experience of complex grief
  • Bereavement and loss
Key Takeaways For Clinicians

“Ambiguous Grief is a complex and often overlooked experience in clients dealing with narcissistic and emotionally abusive relationships. This Ambiguous Grief can create confusion, unresolved loss, and emotional distress that is difficult to process through traditional grief models, as the loss is often unclear or ongoing. Through understanding Ambiguous Grief, clinicians can better recognize patterns of attachment, trauma, and relational loss that impact a client’s emotional well-being. This course highlights how Ambiguous Grief affects mental health, decision-making, and self-identity, while offering practical strategies to support healing and emotional regulation. By addressing Ambiguous Grief in therapy, clinicians can help clients move toward clarity, validation, and long-term recovery. For additional insight into grief and mental health, clinicians can explore resources provided by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)”.

This live interactive webinar is designed for behavioral health professionals, including:

  • Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Psychotherapists
  • Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Substance Use Disorders Counselors
  • Case Managers
  • Physicians
  • Other Mental Health Professionals
Amy Marlow-MaCoy, LPCAmy Marlow-MaCoy, MEd, LPC

Amy is the author of The  Clinician’s Guide to Treating Adult Children of Narcissists: Pulling Back the  Curtain on Manipulation, Gaslighting, and Emotional Abuse in Narcissistic  Families (2023). She is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book The  Gaslighting Recovery Workbook: Healing from Emotional Abuse (Callisto Media,  2020). Amy is an internationally known expert on gaslighting and narcissistic abuse, providing training and continuing education credits for clinicians as well as consultation and mentoring for clinicians wishing to deepen and grow their strengths in working with survivors of narcissistic abuse. Amy runs a private practice treating complex and developmental trauma in adults raised in narcissistic, emotionally immature, and toxic families of origin. Amy has advanced training in multiple trauma treatment models, including IFS, EMDR,  and brainspotting.

After this training, participants will be able to:

  • Differentiate ambiguous loss from other  losses and identify relevant clinical implications.
  • Describe how internalized guilt and shame  instilled by narcissistic family of origin complicate grief, particularly when  a narcissistic loved one dies and clients are unable to achieve resolution.
  • Support clients in exploring all dimensions of grief work, including what did and did not happen.

10:00 -10:05 am – Introduction

10:05-10:30 am –The role of grief in healing from emotionally abusive relationships

10:30-11:00 am -Understanding why clients grieve harmful relationships and individuals

11:00-11:30 am -Ambiguous losses in emotionally abusive relationships

11:30-11:45 am – Break

11:45-12:15 pm –Complex grief: The past that was, and the past that was not

12:15-12:45 pm – Complex grief: The present that is, and the present that can’t be

12:45-1:05 pm – Complex grief: The future that is, and the future that will not come

1:05-1:15 pm – Q&A

All levels.

Registration Cost

Registration $67 | Aug. 8 | Virtual Event | 3 CE Credits | 10:00 am – 1:15 pm ET

Registration Deadline:  Aug. 8, 2026

Cancellation Policy

All registrations are non-refundable. However, you may request a full credit toward a future training if:

  • You notify us at least 72 hours before the event start time.
  • Credit is valid for up to 6 months from the original event date.
  • No credit will be issued for no-shows or cancellations made on the same day.
  • When you register for an event, you agree to these terms

Please email [email protected] to request a credit or reschedule.

A total of 3 CE credits are available.

Additional Approvals Pending.


ASWB ACE

Clinical Events, LLC, (provider # 2201) is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 11/01/2025 – 11/01/2028.

NBCC

Clinical Events, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved   Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7643 Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Clinical Events, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

NAADAC

This course has been approved by Clinical Events, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #320899, Clinical Events is responsible for all aspects of the programming.

NY State Board of Psychologists

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0292.

NY State Board of Social Workers

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0828.

NY State Board of Mental Health Counselors

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0329.

NY State Board of Marriage & Family Therapists

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0140.

NJ State Board of Social Workers & Professional Counselors

The New Jersey Social Work Examiners Board accepts ASWB ACE Provider credits. The New Jersey Professional Counselors Board accepts NBCC-approved CE provider credits.

All Other States Social Workers & Professional Counselors

All other states accept ASWB ACE Provider credits and NBCC-approved CE provider credits. Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their jurisdictions. States and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Florida Certification Board

Clinical Events is approved by the Florida Certification Board (FCB) to offer continuing education programs (Provider # 5527-A).

Canada Social Workers

BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, and QC accept ASWB ACE-approved provider programs to meet licensure renewal requirements.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Canada Counsellors

Clinical Events is an NBCC-approved provider.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Please contact us if you would like to inquire about applicable approvals for your continuing education (CE) needs.

Each professional is responsible for understanding and meeting the specific CE requirements set by their individual licensing board or regulatory agency. We encourage you to reach out to your licensing body directly to confirm how our programs apply toward your licensure renewal.

Questions:  [email protected]

In accordance with continuing education standards and requirements, the presenter discloses that they have no relevant financial relationships, affiliations, or conflicts of interest to report.

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