iContinued Social Work – Call us: 866-419-0818

What is Parasocial Grief? 

Dawn Davis, MA, LMFT, LCMFT, CGT

February 16, 2026

Question

What is parasocial grief? 

Answer

Parasocial grief refers to the intense feelings of heartbreak and depression that individuals experience after the loss of a public figure with whom they had a parasocial relationship. This type of grief can feel as profound as, or even more significant than, the loss of a personal or social relationship. People often describe celebrities as friends, family members, or sources of support, and their deaths can evoke strong emotional responses. Examples include fans mourning David Bowie as a best friend or Michael Jackson as a support during difficult times.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, ‘Understanding the Clinical Impact Parasocial Grief,’ presented by Dawn Davis, MA LMFT, LCMFT, CGT.


dawn davis

Dawn Davis, MA, LMFT, LCMFT, CGT

Dawn Davis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor in
Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Texas. Dawn has worked in community mental health since 2017 and has been in a supervisory position since 2020. Her supervisory experience includes supervising several clinicians at student-intern and master’s level and non-clinical providers, including certified peer specialists, nurse navigators, and behavioral health nurses.

In 2020, Dawn opened her private practice, Therapy That Gets Me, LLC, where she serves as a full-time clinician and supervisor. In addition, Dawn is a Certified Geek Therapist with special training in applying geek concepts to the therapeutic process. Dawn also provides training through Geek Therapeutics, RISE Supervisor Directory, and Colibri Group.


Related Courses

The Transition From Clinician to Clinical Supervisor
Presented by Dawn Davis, MA, LMFT, LCMFT, CGT
Video

Presenter

Dawn Davis, MA, LMFT, LCMFT, CGT
Course: #2474Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'The instructor was clear in how she presented the information and gave great examples for clarity on topics'   Read Reviews
The transition from being a clinician to a supervisor can be both an exciting experience and an overwhelming experience of having little guidance. While there are similarities between being a clinician and being a supervisor, there are also distinctions that play a crucial role in being an effective, happy, and confident supervisor. In this course participants have the opportunity to share about their experiences and thoughts about supervision, learn key concepts about supervision, how to shift their thinking from clinician to supervisor, and understand the role of person of a supervisor.

Understanding the Clinical Impact Parasocial Grief
Presented by Dawn Davis, MA, LMFT, LCMFT, CGT
Video

Presenter

Dawn Davis, MA, LMFT, LCMFT, CGT
Course: #2532Level: Introductory1 Hour
This course explores the clinical relevance of parasocial relationships—one-sided connections individuals form with celebrities—and how the death of a public figure can significantly impact individuals, families, and society. Participants will examine the parallels and differences between parasocial and social relationships, understand the psychological effects of celebrity loss, and review DSM criteria for depression and grief-related diagnoses. The course applies Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning to guide clinical interventions and introduces Geek Therapy-informed strategies to support clients processing celebrity grief.

Therapeutic Best Practices: Media Influence, Key Factors, and Ethical Considerations
Presented by Dawn Davis, MA, LMFT, LCMFT, CGT
Video

Presenter

Dawn Davis, MA, LMFT, LCMFT, CGT
Course: #2516Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'interesting way to approach ethics'   Read Reviews
Clinicians and clients are frequently exposed to various portrayals of therapy in TV shows, movies, books, and other media. This webinar will provide participants with an opportunity to examine these portrayals, highlighting examples of ethically sound treatment, unethical behavior, and their impact on our understanding of therapeutic best practices. Participants will gain a clear definition of Therapeutic Best Practice, understand its significance in the mental health field, and explore five key factors that contribute to effective and ethical clinical practice.

Mental Health & First Responders Part II: After the Call
Presented by Lisa Zoll, MSW, LCSW, Edward Curtis, MSW, LSW
Video

Presenters

Lisa Zoll, MSW, LCSWEdward Curtis, MSW, LSW
Course: #1794Level: Intermediate1.12 Hours
  'easy to understand, great flow, and a topic that is not covered over and over'   Read Reviews
This course is the second in a two-part series. This course explores trauma responses that impact first responders and how it can have a cumulative effect on their mental health, professionally and personally.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for LGBT Clients
Presented by Giselle Levin, PsyD
Video

Presenter

Giselle Levin, PsyD
Course: #2306Level: Advanced2.03 Hours
  'The review of ACT concepts, case studies, and specific goals applied to working with LGBT clients'   Read Reviews
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapy that has been shown to significantly improve mental health outcomes. This advanced course describes the foundations of ACT and discusses presenting problems unique to LGBT individuals. The course presents adaptations of ACT techniques for LGBT individuals and demonstrate the use of those interventions via case studies.