The sibling bond is unlike any other, yet when an adult sibling dies, surviving brothers and sisters are often overlooked in research, treatment, and even within their own families. This presentation explores the unique nature of adult sibling relationships, the disenfranchisement of their grief, and the influence of cultural and familial expectations. Through lecture, case study, and personal narrative, participants will learn how restoring the sibling “back story” supports meaning reconstruction and integration of loss. Attendees will gain strategies to validate sibling grief and incorporate these insights into effective, compassionate clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the unique nature of the adult sibling relationship
2. Summarize how the loss of an adult sibling impacts psychological, spiritual, interpersonal, and physical well-being
3. Identify how diverse cultural and familial expectations impact the re-establishment of equilibrium in the bereaved sibling narrative

About the Presenter:

Christina Zampitella, Psy.D., FT is a licensed clinical psychologist, Fellow of Thanatology, and founder and owner of The Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy. She often works as an adjunct professor, professional speaker, and especially enjoys training emerging mental health professionals. Dr. Zampitella is the host of her podcast, Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z. She focuses her clinical practice, research, course development, and teaching on bereavement studies, nature-based therapy, and integrative psychology. She served as the chair for the Continuing Education Committee for several professional institutions and is an advisory board member of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and the Integrative Psychology Program at National University. She is the former resident psychologist for Fox 5 News in San Diego, and often appeared on NBC News. She has appeared in Elle Magazine, BuzzFeed, The Huffington Post, New York Post, and several Delaware Magazines and newspapers in Delaware.