Session Title: Grief and Medical Trauma: Exploring Practical Strategies for Counselors 

Presenter Name & Credentials: Jessica Hotchkiss, PhD, LPC/LPCC, CCLS, NCC, GC-C 

Session Description: This presentation will explore the intersection of grief and medical trauma in both children and adults, offering practical, evidence-based strategies for counselors. Attendees will gain insight into how medical experiences can compound grief across the lifespan and how to provide effective, trauma-informed support. Emphasis will be placed on techniques, ethics, resilience-building, and age-appropriate interventions.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify the unique ways medical trauma can impact the grieving process in both children and adults.

2. Differentiate age-specific responses of grief and trauma to tailor counseling approaches effectively.

3. Explore trauma-informed strategies to support clients coping with grief and medical experiences.

Presenter Bio: Dr. Jessica Hotchkiss is a licensed professional counselor (ND and AZ), certified grief counselor, counselor educator, and certified child life specialist. With over a decade of clinical experience, she supports individuals and families navigating medical crises, trauma, and loss. Her work emphasizes trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate care for children and adults. Dr. Hotchkiss maintains a clinical presence in both private practice and medical settings and serves as an assistant professor training master’s level counselors. Passionate about education and advocacy, she equips professionals with practical strategies to address grief/loss, medical trauma, and build death competence in clinical practice.

No cost for members, $15 for non-members

Register online: August Webinar: Grief and Medical Trauma: Exploring Practical Strategies for Counselors