Our community is dealing with the collective loss of the world we knew. 

With even more restrictions limiting our social connection with others and traditional holiday celebrations, many of us are experiencing an added layer of sadness, isolation, and stress right now.

Grief as defined by The Grief Recovery Institute is the conflicting feelings caused by the end or change in a familiar pattern of behaviour. Collectively, we are experiencing the loss of familiarity in so many areas of our lives; loss of loved ones, loss of physical contact with people we care about, loss of holiday traditions and customs, loss of religious and spiritual gatherings, loss of control, stability, and security, loss of business operations, loss of finances, loss of childcare, and loss of hopes, dreams, and expectations around funerals, weddings, birthdays, and other important life events.

It is important that we come together as a community to address the normal and natural emotions that we’re experiencing, normalize and validate our unique experiences, and explore the various ways that we can be intentional and thoughtful as we navigate this unusual holiday season.

With the desire to bring our community together and cultivate a space that is safe to have this conversation, our team at The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre is honoured to facilitate this conversation over a 90-minute virtual session on Thursday, December 17th at 7:00pm MT.

Four members of the grief and trauma healing team are looking forward to inspiring hope, connection, and meaning for you:

1. Ashley Mielke, Registered Psychologist, Advanced Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, and Founder of The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre, 

2. Kimberly Hamilton, Registered Provisional Psychologist and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, 

3. Justine Elliot, Registered Provisional Psychologist and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, and

4. Gina Baretta, Master of Counselling Clinical Intern and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist

The first hour of the session will address, 

• What grief is and the various types of loss we are experiencing

• The normal and natural symptoms of grief 

• The myths and misinformation about how to manage feelings of grief 

• How grief shows up in our bodies and the mind/body/spirit connection

• How to support children and teens who are struggling with isolation

• How to support extended family members 

• How to manage emotions around solo-parenting and/or living alone

• How to manage stress, anxiety, isolation, and loneliness

• How to prioritize self-care and set healthy boundaries 

• What mindfulness is and how it can help in grounding 

• How to be intentional about bringing joy and meaning to the holidays 

• Ways to connect with loved ones and friends in a creative way 

The last half-hour of the session will be a Q&A. This will give you an opportunity to ask our team any questions about how to address specific circumstances you are facing at this time.

This Grief Talk will be filled with education, wisdom, compassion, validation, and grace.

Register for your free virtual ticket here! There are limited tickets available and only one virtual ticket available per person.

We look forward to sharing what’s in our hearts to give.

In Love and Service,

Ashley, Kimberly, Justine, Gina, and The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre