Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Caileigh – My own grief and supporting others

Caileigh tells about her own grief and now it has given her a really powerful lens on how to support children going through grief as well. Along with her professional education and training, there is now a different perspective on grief and how that fits in with supporting others.

Maureen – “My miscarriages and attachment”

Maureen tells about her miscarriages, attachment and understanding why she felt so terrible.

A Million Other Things: Grieving a Drug Poisoning Death

Sister, father, son, niece, best friend – some of these words might be how you would describe your loved one who has died of an overdose or drug poisoning. People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are not defined by their substance use – they are a million other things to those who love and miss them dearly. Drug poisoning and overdose deaths are stigmatized in our society. The focus is on how the person died, not who they are. Society still holds onto old notions and beliefs about drugs which come with a value judgment about people who use drugs, which further contributes to stigma. Not everyone who uses drugs is an addict and not all drug use is inherently problematic. People who use drugs deserve dignity and respect when we are remembering and honouring those who have died by overdose or drug poisoning.

Keith – “Difference between grief and mourning”

Keith explains how grief is internal and mourning is external.

Maureen – “Group therapy vs individual therapy”

Maureen talks about what kind of counselling may work for you.

Caileigh – A safe place to grow and heal

Caileigh talks about how accessing play therapy can support everybody. When children have that safe place to heal, everybody around them feels good and can heal, too.

Sara – My Story

Sara talks about why she became a music therapist, espression and connecting to feelings

Madelyn – Holding space

Madelyn explains how holding space can help anyone in grief

Chantal – The benefits of the physical part of art making

Chantal talks about how art can release energy in a healthy cathartic way

Maureen – Holiday Traditions

Maureen talks about anticipating a holiday and considering honouring a loved one

Chantal – Physical symptoms and grieving

Chantal talks about panic attacks and thinking she was having a heart attack

Janice – “Photographs”

Janice explains how photographs can be a doorway to help move forward.