Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Alongside

That is also our best, and only role, when supporting a person with a developmental disability to grieve. We must be the one that comes alongside. There is no closer place we can get to. We must be present, be with, perhaps not understanding or comprehending what the person we support is experiencing, but alongside them nonetheless. We must be there, ready to provide whatever we can discover of their unique need in grief.

Jacqueline – Humour

Jacqueline talks about how huour has a place in grieving

Jessica M – A Parking Lot Memorial

Jessica shares how her family gathered after her uncle died during COVID and how her family came up with a creative way of getting together in a parking lot.

Caleigh – Play Therapy

Caileigh explains how play therapy, a form of psychotherapy can help children in grief. It is specifically used when working with children and families and youth because it’s developmentally appropriate. They are never expected to sit down and to talk. And it is through the language of play that they’re able to learn about the confusing feelings of grief. They are able to learn new skills to cope with their grief, and they’re able to go at their own pace.

Amanda – “It’s a gift to love someone”

Amanda talks about grief and it’s connection to love.

Shannon – Power of Presence

Shannon discusses how just showing up, being present is a powerful way of supporting to someone who has lost. Listen more – talk less.

Sara – Listening to music

Sara discusses how listening to music can help navigate loss

Jen – “Releasing grief through yoga”

Jen discusses how some poses can help release stress.

Jean – My own grief and being a professional counsellor

Jean shares about being a counselor and going through her own grief

Rev. Sky – “It’s OK to cry”

Rev. Sky talks about loss due to gun violence, that it’s OK to cry and finding an outlet.

Jean – Be good to yourself

Jean shares about support and not being hard on yourself

Maureen – “Grief can change the landscape of your relationships”

Maureen discusses how relationships can be challenged by grief.