Morning General Session
Helping Families Cope with Grief During the Holidays
Kenneth Doka, PhD
Senior Vice-President for Grief Programs, The Hospice Foundation of America; Professor Emeritus, Graduate School, The College of New Rochelle
This keynote explores the process of grief highlighting the holidays as a generally difficult experience that triggers surges of grief. The keynote describes some of the issues that arise during holidays and other significant days such as birthdays and anniversaries. A strong component of the presentation involves both self-help strategies as well as interventive approaches for professionals.
Afternoon General Session
On the Edge of Forever: Paranormal Experiences at Life's End – Strategies for Clinicians
Kenneth Doka, PhD
Senior Vice-President for Grief Programs, The Hospice Foundation of America; Professor Emeritus, Graduate School, The College of New Rochelle
A wide range of phenomena have been reported around the process of death and dying – throughout history and across cultures. This presentation explores the paranormal phenomena associated with dying and grief. The presentation considers a variety of experiences including terminal lucidity, near death experiences, nearing death experiences, premonitions of death, transpersonal end-of-life experiences, and extraordinary experiences. The seminar discusses approaches such as reminiscence and life review, moral/ethical wills, living eulogies, life imprints, and therapeutic ritual that can assist both those who are attempting to incorporate such experiences within their life framework as well as those who seek such experiences.
Attendees choose two small group sessions during the day.
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.
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.
Coping with Grief Through Yoga Therapy
Courtney Chandler, LPC, ART-BC, AADC, E-RYT
Somatic Art Therapist, HeARTS for Hope Therapy, LLC
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.
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.
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.