Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Michele – Advice to younger grieving self

Michele tells what advice she would give to her younger grieving self

Teresa – Understanding people with intellectual disabilities and grief

Teresa shares an example and discusses the importance of truly understanding people with intellectual disabilities when they are telling us their stories

Jen – “1st year non-judgmental”

Jen discusses the ups and downs of the 1st year.

Shannon – Guilt vs Shame

Shannon talks about guilt can be a part of the grieving process but shame has to do with “is there something wrong with me”

Maureen – “Trust yourself”

Maureen talks about finding your own way in your healing process.

Alongside

That is also our best, and only role, when supporting a person with a developmental disability to grieve. We must be the one that comes alongside. There is no closer place we can get to. We must be present, be with, perhaps not understanding or comprehending what the person we support is experiencing, but alongside them nonetheless. We must be there, ready to provide whatever we can discover of their unique need in grief.

Jacqueline – Where to store art works

Jacqueline explains how art can be like journal entries that you would keep private

Jessica M – The value of talking about grief

Jessica talks about living in North America and the fear many people have about talking about grief but that it is very important to talk. It makes us feel less alone and helps us move through our grief. It’s also how you can keep your lost one alive.

Maureen – “Our first miscarriage”

Maureen shares insights about her miscarriages.

Marija – Latent grief

Marija explains latent grief

Nicole – Grieving as a community

Nicole discusses the power of grieving together as a community. Finding connection and trust.

Claudia – Taking your art home after art therapy

Claudia talks about why sometimes not to take your art home after therapy