Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Amanda – “Ministry of Presence”

Amanda discusses how being present with someone can be helpful.

Rev. Sky – “Sharing”

Rev. Sky explains how sharing helps you heal.

Claudia – Taking your art home after art therapy

Claudia talks about why sometimes not to take your art home after therapy

Maureen – “Peer vs professional support”

Maureen talks about getting help and what is right for you.

Christian – “When people say dumb things”

Christian explains how he deals with people who say dumb things.

Caileigh – Recommendations as a therapist and a griever

Caileigh discussed two recommendations for parents on how to support their child’s grief. as a therapist and a griever. The first is to recognize that being with is far more important than fixing. There’s two pieces to connection. The first being that one of the most important healing aspects to grief is feeling connected to others.

Sara – Listening to music

Sara discusses how listening to music can help navigate loss

Cara – People with intellectual disabilities need to be recognized and honoured in their grief

Cara talks about grievers living with intellectual disabilities and that it’s not about those of us who are neuro-typical, giving them a voice or providing them or saying things for them. Rather, it’s that they already have a voice. They already have these experiences and they want them to be recognized, acknowledged and honoured.

Jenn – The difference between expressive and creative arts

Jenn explains the difference between expressive and creative arts. You don’t have to limit yourself to art making to help you through your grief process. Expressive arts encompasses a wide variety of approaches including drama, dance, movement, writing and music

Amanda – “The Little Things”

Amanda talks about how little things can be a huge gift during palliative care.

Craig – My Story

Craig’s story is one of resilience and triumph. In the span of just 18 months, he lost his marriage, his mom, two dogs, a cat, his job, and his house. But rather than give up, he picked himself up and started over. He went back to school to become a therapist, and now he’s helping others who are struggling to overcome adversity. Craig’s story is a reminder that no matter how bad things seem, there is always hope. With hard work and determination, you can overcome any challenge.

Jenn – Art can give voice

Jenn talks about the barriers that may prevent someone from including art as part of their grief or emotional process including judgment of your art skills and more.