“Understanding and Supporting Bereaved Populations Throughout the Community”

The death of a family member or friend is life altering to those close to them. Grief touches all areas of our life and is experienced mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially. While grief is a universal experience and normal reaction to loss, grief may manifest in the lives of people in a variety of ways. Grief is impacted by many factors, including our personality, preferences, family, culture, and beliefs, to name a few. This seminar will explore how a person’s death impacts individuals close to them and how a person’s death reverberates throughout a community. We will explore how public losses from violent deaths to COVID deaths impact how we grieve as a society. We will discuss various cultural aspects of grief and loss throughout our communities and ideas for awareness, engagement, and inclusion within groups providing bereavement support. We share approaches to care, techniques for providing support, and ideas for delivery methods that are client centered and comprehensive.

– Andy McNiel, MA

2023 Keynote Speaker – Ryan’s Place Grief Seminar