The 'Twinless Twin'. The Passing of a Twin and its Effects on the Twin that Survived

Seminar paper from the year 2014 in the subject Psychology - Social Psychology, City University of New York Hunter College, course: Professional Seminar, language: English, abstract: Following the death of a spouse, sibling, friend or significant other, there are general ways that individuals usually grieve. This has been shown through countless amounts or research and articles. Being able to understand the unique nature of twin loss will allow for counselors and social work practitioners to be able to lend their support and find ways to guide individuals that have lost their twin as well as guide families and parents through this time. This paper explores the symptomology of individuals at different developmental stages and the impact that bereavement has on their identity development. In addition this paper will examine the different grief levels and twin attachment styles along with western and non-western beliefs surrounding the life and death of twins in hopes to bring light to a forgotten population, 'Twinless twins'.

Otivia Headley is the Lead ABA Teacher at Happy Dragon Center. Ms. Headley provides services and ABA therapy to families with children diagnosed with ASD. Before working as a Lead teacher she was a Certified Therapist working for Theracare, a company known for it's services specified for children diagnosed with ASD. Ms. Headley had worked with children in many capacities such as, school social worker, Interventionist, summer camp counselor, and Math & Ela tutor. Ms. Headley obtained her Psychology Degree in 2011 from Saint Joseph College and in 2014 her Master Degree in Social Work from The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Within 6 months of graduating Ms. Headley received her LMSW and published her Master Thesis "The 'Twinless Twin': The Passing of a Twin and the Effects it has on the Twin that Survived" Ms. Headley has always had a passion not only for academics but being able to use her education to help others. Being able to help a child steer in a positive path is worth the long days endured while pursuing a degree.