On August 24, 2024, MOHAN Foundation, in collaboration with the Network and Alliance of Transplant Coordinators (NATCO), organized a masterclass on "Grief Sensitivity" for its employees and NATCO members.
The objective of the masterclass was to provide attendees with insights into the following areas:
• Loss, bereavement, and grief
• Grief sensitivity
• Its relevance for transplant coordinators
• Grief-affirmative engagement
The invited expert for the session was Dr. Neena Verma, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) specializing in leadership, resilience, wellbeing, and grief. Ms. Pallavi Kumar, President of NATCO, welcomed Dr. Verma and the participants to the masterclass.
Dr. Verma began the session with a quote by Rabindranath Tagore: “Death belongs to life as birth does. The walk is in the raising of the foot, as in the laying of it down,” emphasizing that death is as much a part of life as any other significant phase.
She then elaborated on the different types of loss:
• Non-death Loss: Includes experiences like deprived opportunities or organizational politics.
• Bereavement: Loss due to death.
• Ambiguous Loss: When the affected family is unsure when to stop waiting and when to start grieving, such as in cases of disappearances.
• Secondary Loss: The additional challenges that arise when the primary breadwinner of a family passes away, such as financial difficulties and changes in family dynamics.
Dr. Verma also discussed various scenarios in which bereavement-related losses might occur:
• Normal Death
• Traumatic Death
• Anticipated but Traumatic Death
• Untimely or Unexpected Death
• Socially Negated Loss: Examples include pregnancy loss and stillbirths.
• Stigmatized or Unspeakable Loss: Such as suicides.
• Ambiguous Loss
She shared a poignant case in which she counselled the family of a teenager who had died by suicide by jumping in front of a train. The family, though aware it was a suicide, attempted to classify it as an accidental death. Despite this, they chose to donate his corneas. This case illustrated an example of stigmatized or unspeakable loss.
Dr. Verma then highlighted key considerations for transplant coordinators:
• You are not providing grief counselling; you are guiding the family through the organ donation process.
• Be prepared to encounter raw trauma, which can manifest as anger, stony silence, wailing, denial, or resentment.
• Also anticipate emotions such as resignation, quiet surrender, grace, a search for meaning, and quiet gratitude.
• Practice empathetic behaviour.
• Listen with your whole being.
• Recognize the importance of non-verbal communication.
She also emphasized the need for caregivers to receive proper support, both in their professional and personal lives. During the session, she introduced her book titled “Grief Growth Grace” to the participants.
During the Q&A session, participants posed the following questions:
• Q: As a grief counsellor, how should you respond to families whose loved ones died in a tragic situation, such as a potential donor's wife crying and expressing regret during the counselling session?
• Q: How can I, as a grief counsellor, handle family members who are unwilling to speak or have gone silent?
Several participants shared their feedback on the session:
• “It was a wonderful session. Thanks to the organizers.” – Dr. Parul Gupta
• “So heartwarming and inspiring. Her story made me weep. Thank you, Pallavi.” – Ms. Usha Balu
Close to 50 participants attended the masterclass.
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