Course Descriptions

Welcome to the Law: Planning Ahead and What Happens When...

Chace D. Campbell, Esquire

ChaceLaw

This session will illustrate the benefit of effective estate planning during one's life and after one's death, and how it can help grieving people and professionals. Estate planning uses wills and trusts to pass assets smoothly to loved ones. Probate is the legal court process that validates the will and settles final debts. Proper planning helps families avoid expensive court proceedings, reduces taxes, and to have space to focus on their grief.

Addiction and Grief – Grief and Addiction: It Goes Both Ways

Lindsay McCarter, LISW-CP

Owner/Therapist, LindsayMTherapy

This session examines the impact of loss on someone in the recovery process, as well as how the grieving process often involves seeking comfort from substances in a desperate effort to cope. Both situations entail a unique treatment focus, so it is important to recognize the differences. Alternative methods for holistic healing and meaning-making after loss will also be explored.

When Words Matter: Supporting Children Through Conversations About Death

Laurie Forrest, LISW-CP and Daniela Hatter, LPC

Ellie Mental Health

Talking about death with children can feel uncomfortable, but avoiding the conversation can leave children confused, frightened, or feeling alone in their grief. This presentation will provide practical, developmentally informed strategies for talking with children about death and dying, answering difficult questions, and supporting children through grief. Participants will explore how children understand death at different developmental stages, common misconceptions and emotional responses, and ways caregivers and professionals can create safety, connection, and opportunities for healthy grieving.

Integrative Approach to Grief: Finding the Right Tools to Cope

Scott Linnerud, MDiv, SCC-BC, CT

Bereavement Program Manager, Interim HealthCare Hospice of the Upstate and Midlands

With so many grief theories and metaphors on the landscape one can get lost and be left feeling overwhelmed and unhelpful to either the griever they are trying to assist or lost in their own grief space. During this breakout we will explore and discuss some of the pitfalls and chasms encountered with honest and open grief discussions. The session will include laying out some of the theories in order for the audience to examine and adopt one or two that resonates with their experiences and personality.

Grief, Growth, and Resilience

Kenneth Doka, PhD

Senior Vice-President for Grief Programs, The Hospice Foundation of America; Professor Emeritus, Graduate School, The College of New Rochelle

This program explores the most current theoretical perspectives on loss and grief, emphasizing that loss cannot only engender grief but growth. The presentation explores the phenomena of post-traumatic growth as well as resilience, noting research on the concept as well as strategies professionals can use in assisting grieving individuals. In addition, individuals struggling with loss may find self-help strategies as they cope with loss.

Facilitating Grief Support: Grief Basics & Support Group Development

Christy M. Rogers, DSW, MSW, LISW-CP, APHSW-C

Bereavement Coordinator at Hospice of the Upstate

During this session, attendees will have a brief review of basic grief support including modern theories of grief. The session will also contain group development processes, content, and member retention.

Coping with Grief Through Yoga Therapy

Courtney Chandler, LPC, ART-BC, AADC, E-RYT

Somatic Art Therapist, HeARTS for Hope Therapy, LLC

Pet Loss and Bereavement: When the Other End of the Leash is Empty

Krista Martin, MSSW, LISW-CP, C-AAIS and Molly Hill, BA, CVPM

M3 Counseling, LLC; South Carolina Association of Veterinarians

This session explores pet loss and bereavement through a veterinary social work lens, addressing the unique complexities of grief when a companion animal dies. Participants will examine the emotional burden of euthanasia decision-making, common regret patterns, and the role of disenfranchised grief in shaping the bereavement experience. Practical coping and connection interventions grounded in Worden's Tasks of Mourning and Continuing Bonds Theory will be provided, equipping participants with tools to support clients navigating the loss of an animal companion.