Centering Compassion Series | Holding Space for Ourselves: Cultivating Self-Compassion in Grief Support Work

Centering Compassion Series | Holding Space for Ourselves: Cultivating Self-Compassion in Grief Support Work

Professionals and volunteers who support grieving children and families often show up with deep empathy and open hearts—yet may find it difficult to extend the same care inward. This webinar explores the transformative power of self-compassion as a protective resource for those doing emotionally demanding work in the field of childhood bereavement.

Grounded in the research-based Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program developed by Drs. Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, this session will offer practical tools for responding to personal distress with kindness, reducing caregiver fatigue, and fostering emotional resilience. Participants will learn how self-compassion can strengthen their ability to stay present with grief—both their own and others’—without becoming overwhelmed or burned out.

Through a blend of guided practices, reflective exercises, and discussion, this webinar invites participants to explore how cultivating compassion for ourselves enhances our capacity to hold space for others. Whether you’re a counselor, social worker, educator, or volunteer, this session will support your ongoing journey of sustainable, heart-centered service.

 

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Target Audience: Counselors, Social workers, Bereavement support professionals
Instructional Level: Basic – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

Centering Compassion Series:

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the role of self-compassion in grief work and emotional resilience
  • Identify common barriers to self-kindness among helping professionals
  • Practice core self-compassion techniques applicable in daily life and work
  • Understand how mindful awareness supports healthy emotional boundaries

 

Speaker Bio:

Vira Salzburn, MS, MSc, is a certified teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) with extensive experience delivering evidence-based compassion training to individuals, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. With a professional background in trauma-informed care, public health, and behavioral science, Vira integrates MSC practices into resilience-building programs that promote emotional wellbeing, reduce burnout, and strengthen communities.

Vira holds a Master of Science in Management and Organizational Leadership from Troy University and a Graduate Certificate in Human Behavior from Harvard University Extension School. In addition to her role as Executive Director at Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council, she serves as a trusted trainer and speaker on topics related to self-compassion, mindfulness, and resilience. Her teaching is known for being practical, heartfelt, and deeply human—offering participants tools to meet life’s challenges with kindness, courage, and clarity.

Compassionate Leadership: Moving in and Through Difficult Conversations in the Workplace

Compassionate leadership shines a light on strengths-oriented, wellness-centered, trauma-informed practices as the foundation for our communications and organizational culture. This workshop will explore interpersonal and organizational strategies to enhance workplace wellness and collaboration, including leadership styles and how they impact our work, ideas for constructively giving and receiving feedback, and how to build a culture of team and gratitude. Participants will walk away shored up with ideas for moving in and through potentially difficult conversations with increased clarity and effectiveness.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks. 
Target Audience: Counselors, Social workers, Bereavement support professionals
Instructional Level: Basic – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Name four leadership styles and how they impact workplaces.
  • Identify one strategy for effectively giving and/or receiving feedback.
  • Identify one strategy for creating or promoting organizational wellness.

 

Speaker Bios:

Dr. Tina Barrett, LCPC specializes in strength-oriented care and fostering resilience following traumatic experiences and attachment breaks. A licensed clinical professional counselor, Barrett integrates stories and experiences from over 25 years of work in hospitals, schools, group homes, private practice, wilderness therapy, and nonprofit grief centers. As the Executive Director of Tamarack Grief Resource Center, her commitment to excellence in grief and trauma care is matched by her profound commitment to healthy organizations and setting teams up for success. Barrett is the author of numerous chapters and articles and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief; the Leadership Team for Project Tomorrow Montana; and on the Advisory Board for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. She was recognized as the 2019 Community Educator by the Association of Death Educators and Counselors.

Meg Smith, MA is the Assistant Director for Tamarack Grief Resource Center. She’s been with TGRC for 5 years, managing the administrative functioning of the nonprofit, including clinic management, technology, operations, HR, and development. She has an MA in Environmental Humanities and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration. Her background is in nonprofit efficiency, creating systems and policies to bolster efficiency and efficacy. She has grant writing and development training from the University of Montana and experience building systems from the ground up from her work developing a quarterly magazine with Families for a Livable Climate. She trained as an educator and worked in Missoula County Public Schools.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

Supported by the philanthropic investment
of the New York Life Foundation.