Compassion Fatigue in the Death Industry

Compassion Fatigue in the Death Industry

While the value of compassion in deathcare has gained increased attention, it remains a neglected focus of training. Vicarious trauma leading to compassion fatigue is changing the way professionals think about self-care. Participants will explore how repeat exposure to traumatic deaths coupled with the constant output of empathy can affect their cognition and emotional balance, and learn 20 evidence-based techniques designed to mitigate the effects before it leads to career burnout.

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:

  • Identify ways the concept of compassion fatigue applies to deathcare professionals.
  • Self-assess cognitive, emotional and physical signs of compassion fatigue.
  • Understand the complementary roles of stress management, resilience, and career longevity.
  • Learn evidence-based techniques that mitigate negative work-related effects.

 

Speaker Bios:

Lynda Cheldelin Fell is founding partner of the International Grief Institute, and international bestselling author of over 35 books including the award-winning Grief Diaries series. With her background as a firefighter/EMT, Lynda specializes in trauma, grief, compassion fatigue, and holds a national certification in critical incident stress management. A popular keynote speaker and educator, she is a member of the continuing education faculty at Whatcom Community College. To research grief’s impact on society, she has interviewed people around the world including societal figures such as Martin Luther King’s daughter, and Heaven is For Real’s Pastor Todd Burpo. She has earned six national literary awards and five national advocacy award nominations for her work.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

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

Silent Suffering: Supporting Youth Grieving Stigmatized Loss

This session will focus on supporting individuals who have experienced a stigmatized loss, including loss by suicide, homicide, and addiction. Presenters will review grief occurrence data for children and youth, along with practical understandings of relevant grief theories to guide practice with this bereaved population. As stigmatized loss is often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, and anger, it is vital for those working in the field to better understand the impact of stigmatized grief and loss on children and families. Several of the challenging components of working with those bereaved by stigmatized loss will be explored. Presenters will discuss important therapeutic techniques, interventions, and conversations for youth and caregivers, including best practices for helping children understand death by suicide, homicide, and/or addiction. Stigmatized losses often occur after traumatic lives. Therefore, aspects of understanding the impact of trauma on youth will also be explored. Presenters will provide several opportunities for experiential learning as we discuss and practice activity and body-based interventions for children and families. Finally, attendees will be provided with a multitude of resources to better understand and work with stigmatized loss and continue to inform practice.

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: Intermediate – This best describes a topic or issue the audience likely has a theoretical foundation for understanding and/or working knowledge.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Define stigmatized loss.
  • Identify at least two theories of grief that can be adapted to work with a population bereaved by stigmatized loss.
  • Utilize two body-based interventions for traumatic loss in children and youth.
  • Identify best practices to discuss stigmatized loss with youth.
  • Identify two online resources for further information on stigmatized loss faced by children and families.

 

Speaker Bios:

Jodi Flesner, Ph.D., LPC, is a clinical supervisor, licensed therapist, and program coordinator at Heartlinks Grief Center. Jodi completed her master’s degree in Community Counseling at Loyola University Chicago in 2007 and her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2015. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Illinois and Missouri. Jodi has worked at Heartlinks for seven years where she conducts individual and family counseling, group counseling, community outreach to support those grieving in the community, and various grief support groups at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Prior to that she worked as a doctoral intern at hospice for two years where she conducted individual and family bereavement support services, group counseling, and counseling at multiple grief/bereavement retreats and camps. She has taught multiple master’s level counseling courses, published a peer-reviewed article titled, “A Shift in the Conceptual Understanding of Grief: Using Meaning-Oriented Therapies with Bereaved Clients,” and completed multiple presentations in the area of bereavement including grief and coping in caregivers, theories of grief over time, exploring stigmatized loss, the importance of meaning making after a death loss, and the importance of infusing death education into counseling programs.

Diana Cuddeback, LCSW, is the Founding Director of Heartlinks Grief Center in Belleville, Illinois. Since her first Children’s Grief Group in 1991, Diana has provided children, families, and individuals innovative grief programming. Heartlinks serves individuals of all ages before and after a loss due to death. Diana and the Heartlinks team, provide individual and family counseling, grief support groups, as well as portable grief outreach programs and grief education. Diana’s mission is to create a meaningful community of support for grieving people filled with learning, activity, fun and connection. Diana is an experienced presenter who has presented on a variety of topics including children’s grief, traumatic loss and coping, stigmatized loss and the impact on children and families, and the various impacts of addiction-related loss, among others.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

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

Introduction to Grief Support Series | Homicide Loss 101

Homicide loss brings up complex emotions, challenges, and experiences that often complicate the grief process for individuals, children, and families. Persons experiencing homicide loss must navigate the legal system, potentially stigmatizing situations, and cultural factors in addition to the factors that come with a grief event. Through this presentation, we will discuss unique challenges, the impacts of the trial process, the impacts of witnessing homicide, and language to discuss homicide loss with children.

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: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Novice – 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:

  • Identify 3 unique challenges individuals, families, and children experience related to homicide loss.
  • Recognize best practice language to use when discussing homicide loss with children at different developmental levels.
  • Recognize the impacts of the trial process on children and families grieving homicide loss.
  • Identify the impacts of witnessing a homicide.

 

Speaker Bio:

Becca Olsson, MSW, received her Master’s Degree at the University of Oklahoma in Social Work in 2023. She has worked in the social services field since 2019 with experience in mental health services, youth homelessness services, sexual abuse and trauma therapy services, and grief. As the Center-Based Program Coordinator at Calm Waters, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Becca manages the grief and divorce support group programs onsite at Calm Waters. In providing services, she aims to help individuals and families feel less alone in their grief, pain, and loss. She is passionate about social justice and acknowledging and incorporating individuals’ and families’ unique identities and experiences into services.

Kaitlyn Roedl, LPC Candidate, received her Master’s degree at Southern Nazarene University in Counseling Psychology in 2021. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPC-C). Kaitlyn is a therapist at Calm Waters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and has over 2 years clinical experience and has worked in clinical and non-profit settings. Kaitlyn has experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. Kaitlyn is passionate about creating a safe environment for children and families so individuals don’t have to feel so alone in their grief. Through creating a safe environment, she hopes to increase access to grief support services and empower her community through education.

 

Cultivating inclusivity for children and all abilities in funeral planning and participation

The process of planning a funeral is a multifaceted endeavor involving significant considerations such as cultural traditions, accessibility, religious/ spiritual beliefs, communities, and the ability to derive meaning from the experience (Causadias et al., 2022). It is imperative to create an age-appropriate, death-positive conversation which can then expand participation to include often marginalized communities such as: BIPOCC, LGBTQIA, individuals, and children who are neurodiverse. Understanding contemporary funeral care practices can help make it easier to advocate for the inclusion of children in funeral planning, which can reduce psychopathology among children and adolescents (Becker et al, 2021; Causadias et al, 2022; McCaughan et al, 2021). Walsh’s Family Resilience Theory supports including children in funeral rituals as it can help instill stronger familial and community relationships. Recognizing and addressing children’s emotional needs in the context of death and loss is a pivotal step toward promoting a healthier grieving process. Embracing a more inclusive and compassionate approach to funeral planning can help ensure that all individuals and communities can participate and find solace in the process.

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 best practices of contemporary funeral care.
  • List five key elements in developing an inclusive funeral ceremony for all ages and abilities.
  • Explain funeral procedures in age-appropriate explanations of funeral procedures for various age groups (ie: young children, adolescents) and consider the unique needs and abilities of attendees, including those with physical and cognitive challenges.

 

Speaker Bios:

Stephanie Heitkemper, PhD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Resilient Minds Counseling PLLC in Denver, Colorado and Camp Erin NYC Clinical Director. Stephanie completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Human Services at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, and holds a Masters in Marriage Family Therapy from Regis University in Denver, CO. She completed her PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. Stephanie is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Approved Consultant and Certified Therapist, a Fellow in Thanatology (FT), and is also a Trauma and Loss Specialist (CTS) and Trauma Informed Assessment Specialist (CTA). Her main passion is working with children and families recovering from grief and trauma. Professionally, she finds the most joy in collaboration, problem solving, hands-on creativity, and interactive play. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys 5 am CrossFit, coffee, and exploring Colorado with her boxer, Frank, and her husband.

Jack E. Lechner, Jr. CFSP, MS, CT is a distinguished individual with extensive experience in both the funeral industry and United States Army. He currently holds the position of President & Chief Executive Officer of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS). Jack’s knowledge and expertise in the funeral industry span nearly five decades. Before entering the academic field, Jack practiced as a licensed funeral director in the state of New Jersey for a decade. In 1983, he transitioned to a military career enlisting as an Infantryman in the United States Army. He went on to be commissioned as an officer in 1985. Jack’s final military assignment was at the honorable and prestigious Arlington National Cemetery. There he held several positions including Executive Officer, Cemetery Administrator, Deputy Superintendent. Jack’s dedication and contributions culminated in his appointment as Superintendent, a position he held until August 2015. Throughout his military career, Jack earned multiple military awards highlighting his exceptional service and dedication. These honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals and various other commendations.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

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

Introduction to Grief Support Series | The Invisibility of Child Sibling Bereavement

Despite its significant occurrence, sibling bereavement is the most understudied area of bereavement. This session will examine why the sibling relationship is so important, the effects of sibling death across the different stages of childhood, and interventions to help children who have had a sibling die. Also discussed will be how a child’s concept of death changes as the child grows, the vital changes that occur in family dynamics after a child dies, and the external factors that must be considered when working with children who have experienced sibling death. This session will also include an interactive component in which participants will examine case studies of actual children who have had a sibling die and discuss the efficacy of the care they received.

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: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Novice – 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:

  • Define 2 qualities of the sibling relationship.
  • Compare developmental concepts of death across the span of childhood
  • Identify 3 ways in which adults can assist grieving siblings.
  • Explain how the family dynamic changes after the loss of a sibling
  • List 3 external factors that must be considered when working with bereaved siblings.

 

Speaker Bio:

Maureen F. Walsh, NPFT, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and grief therapist. She has a private practice called Grief Weavers located at Hope Floats Healing and Wellness Center in Kingston, MA, where she works with individuals, children and families who are grieving. In March 2023, Maureen was appointed the Education Outreach Director at Hope Floats. In this position she conducts grief trainings for schools, clinicians, and community organizations. She trains all Hope Floats’ group facilitators and volunteers and offers grief support to community members after sudden deaths, i.e. homicide, suicides, overdoses and accidents, Maureen is the author of Tuck Meets a Dragonfly, a children’s grief story and The Weaving Hope Club, a peer bereavement support program for school children. Maureen is certified as a Fellow in Thanatology by the Association for Death, Education, and Counseling.

 

Effective Story Telling in Grant Writing

Writing a strong grant proposal goes beyond answering individual questions—it requires a compelling, unified story that resonates with funders. This beginner-friendly webinar will provide essential strategies for crafting clear, concise narratives that align with proposal requirements. Attendees will learn how to write effectively within word limits, connect responses to create a cohesive story, and integrate financial data to strengthen their case. Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools to craft fundable proposals.

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:

  • Learn strategies for writing with clarity within the word count
  • Understand how to connect across questions to tell a unified, compelling story.
  • Know how to use financial data to support their narrative.

 

Speaker Bios:

Deirdra Flavin, MSc, CFRE, joined the NACG in 2019 in the role of Marketing and Development Director. After a decade in senior roles in marketing and sales, her work more recently has been in the non-profit sector and includes leadership positions in both development and marketing. Prior to joining the NACG, Deirdra was the Executive Director at Kids’ Haven: A Center for Grieving Children. She graduated from University College Cork with a BA in English and an MSc in Marketing Management. Originally from Ireland, Deirdra currently resides in Lynchburg, Virginia, with her husband and three children.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

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

Introduction to Grief Support Series | How to Develop and Implement School-Based Grief Support

It is imperative that schools are able to provide grief support to bereaved students to ensure that they are not significantly impacted relationally, academically, or emotionally. When adequate grief support is not provided, it can lead to long-term relationship, academic, and career functioning disruptions. School-based grief support allows schools to support their students and staff in a manner that is conducive to a learning environment. This presentation will cover the multitude of ways that schools can support their students and staff. The development of these programs will be discussed, including the presentation material for childhood bereavement training for school professionals, how to provide direct support after the loss of students or staff, and how to equip school professionals with the tools and knowledge to support their bereaved students.  How to implement a successful ongoing grief support group and one-on-one grief support sessions with students will also be discussed. This presentation will also include a demonstration of the tools and lesson plans used to aid in the discussion of grief with both students and school professionals.

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: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Novice – 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:

  • Develop a school-based grief support program to support bereaved students. Utilize current models as a guide, such as New Hope Center for Grief Support’s school-based grief support model.
  • Create content and presentation materials to provide childhood bereavement training for school professionals so they feel better equipped to support students.
  • Implement a grief support group within the schools to allow bereaved students to connect with one another to learn more about their emotions and reactions to grief.
  • Construct developmentally appropriate activities and lesson plans to use during support groups and one-on-one sessions with students.
  • Adapt program content and activities based on developmental stages.

 

Speaker Bio:

Jennifer Frush came on board as outreach and event coordinator in the summer of 2018. Her passion and energy helped increase New Hope’s reach and impact, leading to her taking on the position of interim and then full Executive Director in January of 2020. She participates in the National Alliance for Children’s Grief online learning and webinars and other training. Jennifer sits on the following councils: Northville Community Cares, Ascension Community Health Advisory Committee, Community Mental Health Association through St. Mary Mercy Hospital’s Let’s Continue the Conversation Committee. She collaborates with eight Wayne Western School Districts. She is a trained facilitator for The Leader in Me school programs. She developed and led training for The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Families for Marine Elementary School. Additionally, Hegira Health invited Jennifer to speak at their Focus on Zero suicide prevention conference and to moderate their celebrity panel. Like other staff and volunteers, she received Trauma Informed Training and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Crisis Training, attended and participated several 2023 NACG Grief Conferences, recently attending the 2023 NACG Grief Conference and Training. Jennifer conducts Grief Sensitivity Training, Childhood Bereavement Training, Facilitator Training, and more serving as the Executive Director.

Laurel Neitling, BA, joined the team in July 2023 as the Circles of Hope Program Manager. She previously graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in management. She previously volunteered with New Hope as a support group facilitator. She experienced the loss of her father as a young child, and that led to a passion for helping bereaved families get the support they need. Laurel has had the privilege of watching many of our participants grow through their grief journeys, and she is grateful to work alongside such dedicated volunteers and staff members to offer grief support services to the bereaved.

 

Sculpting Solace: Facilitating Grief Work through Sandplay Therapy

Participate in this interactive presentation to deepen your understanding of sandplay as a therapeutic modality in grief work. Through a combination of experiential learning and theoretical insights, discover how the tactile and symbolic hands-on nature of sand play creates profound and transformative space for grief exploration and healing. Presentation will include useful and practical ways to build your sandplay tool chest.

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

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the difference between sand tray therapy and sandplay.
  • Name and identify two parts to each of the five areas of Sandtray work: 1) Warm Up 2) Creation Stage 3) Exploring Stage 4) Ending Stage and 5) Breakdown stage.
  • Participate in online format of Sandplay.
  • Learn useful language to promote discussion in sandplay facilitation with facilitators.

 

Speaker Bio:

Stephanie Heitkemper, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, FT, is the owner of Resilient Minds Counseling which specializes in working with individuals, children, families around change including grief, and trauma. Stephanie finds energy in utilizing play therapy (as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor), creative expression, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (EMDRIA Approved Consultant) and. bibliotherapy in her counseling practice, program creation and presentations. Stephanie serves on the board of directors for Heart Light Center (2017), a Denver based grief support and education center as well as Camp JoJo (2020), a camp dedicated to supporting teens impacted by suicide. In addition to Resilient Minds Counseling, Stephanie is the Clinical Director of Camp Erin NYC, which is part of Cope. Stephanie’s selfcare includes early morning coffee, CrossFit and Ironman training as well as exploring Colorado with her husband and beloved boxer.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

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

 

Neurodiversity and Childhood Bereavement

Neurodiversity affirms cognitive diversity, opposes the view that there is one “normal” type of cognitive functioning, and reduces stigma for folx who identify as neurodiverse. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of research on the intersection of neurodiversity and childhood grief. Grief support for children has not adequately addressed how neurodiverse children and adolescents may experience and respond to loss. This training seeks to provide definitions and examples of neurodiversity. In addition, this training seeks to equip those who attend with skills and knowledge to integrate neuro-diverse affirming practices into bereavement support for children and adolescents. There has been a lack of research on how neurodiverse children and adolescents encounter and experience loss. In this training, the concept of neurodiversity will be explored in depth. Subsequently, attendees will be provided with information on how neurodiverse children and adolescents may not fit traditional paradigms of grief which have focused solely on emotional processing. Lastly, attendees will be given a wide range of practical tools that will equip them to integrate neuro-diverse affirming practices into their clinical work.

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

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Define their understanding of neurodiversity.
  • Restate the unique challenges neurodiverse children and adolescents face.
  • Describe how neurodiverse individuals experience grief.
  • Identify neuro-affirming interventions that can be used with grieving children and adolescents.
  • Formulate ways to integrate neuro-affirming practices for grieving children and adolescents in diverse clinical settings.

 

Speaker Bio:

Kailey Bradley, MA, LPCC-S, NCC, FT, specializes in working with individuals of all ages, with special interest and care given to children’s bereavement, complicated grief, perinatal loss, and chronic illness. Kailey worked for 4. 5 years at a local Hospice agency and has provided over 50 workshops and trainings on grief throughout her career thus far. Kailey also has conducted over 100 grief support groups and has a passion for research on methods and strategies for offering creative and engaging bereavement support groups for children. Currently, Kailey is an adjunct professor at Ashland Theological seminary where she teaches grief and crisis counseling courses. Kailey is also currently a doctoral student at Ohio University studying counselor education and supervision. She also co-owns Refuge Counseling, LLC a private practice specializing in the intersections of grief, sexuality, chronic illness and spirituality.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

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

 

Introduction to Grief Support Series | The Kaleidoscope of Grief: Loss in Many Forms

This webinar is part of an ongoing series that will provide a foundation of introductory information for anyone working with or providing support to children, teens, and families who may be grieving. This series is not progressive; sessions can be viewed in any order.

Typically, when we think about grief, we associate it with loss due to a death. Yet, we know that many children and teens struggle with complex issues such as housing insecurity, out of home placement, family members experiencing addiction, out-of-home placement, incarceration of a family member, and a host of other challenging circumstances. While not related to a death, each of these challenges is in fact a type of loss. Often these non-death losses and the grief that accompanies them go unrecognized by caring adults. In this workshop we will expand our view of grief to include death loss as well as the more ambiguous non-death losses that sometimes go unnoticed. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of the ways that children experience grief throughout their development, the principles of grief-informed practice, and tools to support children on their grief journey.

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: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Novice – 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:

  • Identify a range of experiences as grief and loss.
  • Describe the ways that grief and loss impact children at home, school, and in the community.
  • Discuss the principles of grief-informed practice.
  • Explore three ways that a caring adult can support a child who is grieving.

 

Speaker Bios:

Alexa Livelsberger, MS, LCSW, is the Outreach and Education Coordinator at Highmark Caring Place, a center for grieving children, adolescents and their families where she works to heighten awareness of children’s grief through consultations, presentations and trainings for professional and community groups. Lexi has a master’s of science in social administration from Case Western Reserve University and is a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania. Lexi has worked with children and families in a variety of settings throughout her career, including community mental health, kinship care, and victim service fields.

Janet Arida, PhD, earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Northwestern University, a master’s degree in Social Work from The University of Chicago, and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a licensed clinical social worker and earned certification in Thanatology from the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Janet is currently a child grief specialist as well as the Outreach and Education Coordinator at the Highmark Caring Place in Warrendale, PA, where she oversees peer support groups for grieving children and their families. Additionally, in her role as Outreach and Education Coordinator, Janet works to heighten awareness of children’s grief through consultations, presentations, and trainings for professional and community groups. Prior to joining the Caring Place as a staff member, Janet was a clinical instructor and researcher in end-of-life issues in the School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh. During her career, she has worked with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of clinical and community-based settings in both the Chicago and Pittsburgh areas.