Global Grief Network · Specialized and Advanced Program
GGN Disenfranchised Grief: Honoring Losses Others Do Not See
Understand grief that goes unrecognized, including hidden relationships, stigmatized losses, and losses others overlook, and learn to make room for every grief.
988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. It is free, confidential, and open 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Veterans: dial 988 then press 1. Outside the US, use your local emergency number or crisis line. This program is education, not crisis care. If you are struggling as you read, please pause and reach out now.
Some grief is met with casseroles, cards, and time off work. Other grief is met with silence. When a loss is not recognized by others, people can feel they have no right to grieve, no place to grieve, and no one to grieve with.
This program is for people carrying unrecognized grief, the people who want to support them, and practitioners. It explains why some losses are overlooked, how that affects grieving, and simple ways to make room for every grief.
The Global Grief Network (GGN) exists so that no one has to grieve alone. Through the GGN app, the Memory Wall, our streaming and broadcasting channels, Grief Talk Magazine, the Grief First Aid course, the GGN Practitioner Directory, and the GGN Educator Directory, we connect grieving people with community, information, and care.
The program follows four simple steps that run through every module:
An important note before you begin. This is an education program. It is not crisis care, clinical treatment, counseling, or a substitute for professional help. If you or someone you love is in crisis in the United States, call or text 988. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Take breaks as you need them, and reach out if any part of this brings up pain for you.
GGN Disenfranchised Grief: Honoring Losses Others Do Not See. A GGN education program leading to the Global Grief Network Certification.
What this program is
A self-paced course of about 6 hours.
Plain-language education written for grieving people, supporters, and practitioners.
Practical, original GGN practices, fictional stories, reflection prompts, and quizzes.
What this program is not
It is not crisis care. In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 for immediate danger.
It is not mental health treatment or counseling.
It does not diagnose any condition.
It does not rank losses or decide whose grief matters most.
Who This Program Is For
Anyone whose grief has been overlooked, minimized, or hidden.
Friends, family members, coworkers, and community leaders.
Grief educators, peer supporters, faith leaders, and other practitioners.
There are no prerequisites.
Format and Time
Module
Title
Time
1
Grief Without Permission
1 hour
2
Hidden Relationships
1 hour
3
Stigmatized Losses
1 hour
4
Overlooked Losses
1 hour
5
Self Recognition and Support
1 hour
6
Practitioner Takeaways
1 hour
Each module has objectives, lessons, a GGN practice, a fictional story, reflection prompts, and a quiz. A final assessment, a crisis resources page, and the Global Grief Network Certification complete the program.
A note on safety and care
This program follows safe messaging practice. It does not include graphic detail or describe methods of harm, and it centers hope, help-seeking, and connection. All stories and cases are fictional and were written by the Global Grief Network. If you need to stop, please do, and come back when you are ready.
