More than 55,000 Australians were reported missing last year – up more than 35% in three years – and while most were found within a week, around 1-2% went on to become long-term missing persons. Leading charity The Missed Foundation (formerly the Missing Persons Advocacy Network) has worked with Sarah to produce this world-first training tool to help professionals better support the families of long-term missing people.
Created and hosted by Sarah, the free online masterclass is designed for police officers, search and rescue organisations, the media, families of missing people and counsellors. People with a special interest in missing persons may also find it helpful to understand how ambiguous loss impacts people.
Ambiguous loss is a traumatic and complicated form of grief. Research shows that for every missing person reported, at least 12 others are directly impacted, whether emotionally, psychologically or financially.
During a relaxed conversation, the masterclass draws on Dr Wayland’s 20 years’ experience to share evidence-based advice on what constitutes ambiguous loss and how it presents. It includes advice on appropriate language to use and support strategies, as well as open-access resources for further reading.
“Ambiguous or unresolved loss exists at the intersection of hopefulness and hopelessness, and the grief changes and can worsen over time,” Sarah said. “There are not the traditional markers of a ‘forever loss’. Families have to live both with the idea of the person being alive and dead at the same time. Standard counselling therefore often fails to help them.
“We realised that the training I have been delivering informally to agency staff and professionals during the past eight years could be packaged and made more accessible. The Ambiguous Loss 101 video developed from there.”
A second more advanced masterclass only available for purchase on a sliding fee scale takes a deeper dive into the subject and includes a simulated counselling session roleplayed by UNE Social Work students. It is designed to support therapy sessions with families navigating this difficult path.
Loren O’Keeffe, Founder and CEO of The Missed Foundation, whose brother Dan went missing in July 2011, says the learning tools are critical to building wider understanding of the effect of ambiguous loss on those living through it.
“When a loved one goes missing, you experience varying emotions that can change day to day,” Loren said. “There is no closure for families of long-term missing people, and what they endure is different to standard grief – it can sometimes feel impossible to deal with.
“Our aim is for all professionals working with families of missing Australians … to better understand and support loved ones going through this complex, and historically misunderstood type of grief.”
To access the first masterclass or purchase the second, go to the Missed website: https://missed.org.au/
