Understanding Guilt with
Suicide Loss

Presented by Rebecca Sanford, PhD, RCSW, RCC

Program for Professionals:

Guilt and Suicide Grief: Support Clients 

Date: Tues February 24, 2026          Time: 8-10am (PT)/ 9-11am (MT)/ 10-12pm (CT)/ 11-1pm (ET)                   location: Zoom

A special presentation for Hospice Professionals, Clergy, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Victim’s Advocates, Therapists/Counselors, Volunteers, Companions, Death Doulas, Death Care Professionals, including Administrative and Leadership Professionals in these settings who wish to become better equipped for discussing suicide-related topics.

After a suicide death, people left behind commonly question what they did or didn’t do, what was said or left unsaid, and what they might have missed. In retracing the steps and trying to make sense of what has happened, many people who have lost someone to suicide experience feelings of responsibility and guilt. Guilt can contribute to self-loathing and self-punishment, which makes a difficult journey even more painful. Further, guilt often becomes a catchall for any negative feelings one has about themselves as it relates to the loss, which can complicate the therapeutic process of healing after traumatic loss.

Program for the Community:

Exploring Guilt in Suicide Bereavement

Date: Tues. February 24, 2026         Time: 4-5:30 pm (PT)/ 5-6:30 pm (MT)/ 6-7:30 pm (CT)/ 7-8:30 pm (ET) location: Zoom

This gathering is for bereaved individuals or those supporting bereaved individuals who have been impacted by suicide loss.

After a suicide death, people left behind commonly question what they did or didn’t do, what was said or left unsaid, and what they might have missed. In retracing the steps and trying to make sense of what has happened, many people who have lost someone to suicide experience feelings of responsibility and guilt. And sometimes guilt can become a catchall word for any negative feelings one has about themselves as it relates to the loss.