Addressing Collective Ambiguous Loss During These Tenuous Times

Addressing Collective Ambiguous Loss During These Tenuous Times

Your Presenter: Cheryl Forster, Psy.D.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 @ 11:30 AM EDT

The term “ambiguous loss” was coined by Dr. Pauline Boss in the 1970’s.  The original focus was on losses where there is an unclear loss with unclear resolutions (two types – physical absence coupled with psychological presence (e.g., adoption), or vice versa (e.g., dementia)), however, during the Covid-19 pandemic and after the murder of George Floyd, she expanded her conception of the term.  The expansion now includes personal ambiguous loss, that is either internally or externally caused, and ambiguous loss at the societal and global level.  We will explore Dr. Boss’ (2022) inclusion of the societal and global level, and the recommended guidelines for living with and healing ambiguous loss.  The guidelines will include some general cultural considerations as well – as interculturalists, we know that how grief and loss is addressed may vary across cultures.  In some ways, this webinar may differ from a typical SIETAR presentation.  However, if we think of the current sociopolitical context as a collective experience (even if we have different stances on it or relationships to it), acknowledging ambiguous loss and navigating it becomes an important component for many.  The guidelines do not lead to simple answers, but they may offer hope during these tenuous times.

Registration = FREE for current SIETAR USA Members in good standing (must be logged in to see the member pricing)

Registration = $25 for Non Members

About Your Presenter: 

Cheryl Forster, Psy.D.Dr. Cheryl Forster is a licensed psychologist, the Lead Coordinator of Training and Intercultural Specialist at Portland State University’s Center for Student Health and Counseling, and the owner of Bookmark Connections.  Her work at Bookmark Connections focuses on training mental health professionals in intercultural communication, while also integrating embodied trauma-informed and social justice/DEIB perspectives.  Cheryl began her intercultural journey as the mental health consultant for the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication (SIIC; 2008 to 2018) and considers herself a lifelong learner.