We’re honored to learn from Jacob Sermeno, LCSW, DSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and expert in geriatric care and mental health, about his impactful work in grief counseling, reducing recidivism for individuals with Severe Mental Illness (SMI), and his dedication to advancing evidence-based practices in social work and corrections.
You can get this full episode on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or YouTube. You can also download or listen to the full podcast episode here.
Grief is a deeply personal experience that affects each individual differently.
In this episode of the Delgado Podcast, Dr. Jacob Sermeno, LCSW highlights the importance of distinguishing between adaptive grief, a normal response to loss, and complicated grief, which involves prolonged symptoms like avoidance, hyper-attachment, or significant daily impairment. Recognizing these differences helps clinicians provide tailored support to those struggling to process loss.
Cultural factors and societal norms play a significant role in how grief is expressed. Jacob emphasizes the need for cultural humility, encouraging clinicians to create safe, nonjudgmental spaces where clients can process their emotions authentically. Whether navigating cultural expectations or personal barriers like suppressed emotions, clinicians can empower clients to grieve in ways that honor their experiences while promoting healing.
Jacob also shares advice for those supporting grieving loved ones. Simple acts of presence, such as listening without judgment or offering a kind word, can provide immense comfort. He reminds us that grief is not linear and that it’s okay to have both good and bad days. Whether you’re a clinician or a friend, understanding and respecting the grieving process is essential to providing meaningful care.
Conversation includes:
1:04 – The Path to Social Work: From a high school project to a career inspired by personal loss.
3:23 – Choosing Geriatric Social Work: Understanding the clinical and personal rewards of working with older adults.
5:57 – Challenges in Geriatrics: Overcoming resistance, building rapport, and establishing boundaries with older clients.
9:36 – Grief Counseling Techniques: Using cultural humility, active listening, and strategic self-disclosure to connect with clients.
12:30 – Non-Linear Grief: Applying the Kübler-Ross model while acknowledging its limitations in clinical practice.
16:05 – Dysfunctional and Pathological Grief: Identifying signs of prolonged grief disorder and interventions to address functional impairments.
21:22 – Cultural and Gender Influences on Grief: Adapting interventions to meet diverse cultural norms and societal expectations.
25:55 – Supporting Grief-Adjacent Individuals: Educating family and friends on effective, empathetic support strategies.
31:08 – Messages of Hope: Encouraging resilience, emotional expression, and the pursuit of therapeutic support.
34:27 – Closing Insights for Clinicians: Strategies for supporting grieving clients and navigating complex grief scenarios.
About Dr. Sermeno
Dr. Jacob Sermeno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience addressing chronic mental health concerns, cognitive impairments, and aging-related challenges. His work spans end-of-life care in hospice and nursing homes, geriatric psychiatric program development, and mental health support within corrections. Jacob’s research focuses on reducing recidivism among incarcerated individuals with Severe Mental Illness (SMI), where he has pioneered treatment and discharge planning initiatives for SMI-focused housing units in San Bernardino County. Committed to advancing the field, he aspires to a career in education to equip future professionals with evidence-based practices for working with vulnerable populations.
