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Online Bereavement Support
Someone you love has died and you’re looking for support but can’t find a grief support group that fits into your busy schedule. Or perhaps you don’t feel comfortable grieving in front of others; you’d prefer the comfort of your own home. And especially in these times of social distancing, webinars offer a way to connect with others who are grieving. Our webinar Conversations On Grief may be the support solution you’re looking for.
Our webinar offers monthly online access to grief support and education through your phone, computer or mobile device. From the comfort of your home, you’re welcome to participate without having to deal with traffic, long distances or childcare. Grief is a journey. It is our sincere hope that during each webinar you’ll find comfort, compassion, understanding, and encouragement as you heal.
Conversations On Grief webinars are facilitated by Bereavement Counselor, Mary Piatt, Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services, Nancy McCranie, and Bereavement Coordinator, Brittany Carter. Conversations On Grief webinars are offered the 3rd Thursday of the month from 11 am to 12 pm. You’re welcome to attend one, several or all webinars.
Mary Piatt, LPC-Associate – Mary went back to school in her fifties and started her work with Hospice Austin as a counseling intern during the pandemic. After graduating from St. Edward’s University and passing her licensure exam, Mary became a part-time employee at Hospice Austin in January 2022. She works with bereavement clients and support groups. When not working, Mary likes to do projects around her house and play in her garden. She and her husband, Dennis, have two sons, two daughters, and two cats.
Nancy McCranie, M.Div – Nancy began working for Hospice Austin as a chaplain in 1996. Since 2009 she has served as the Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services and is a frequent speaker for area groups, leading discussions about end-of-life issues and the process of grieving a loss. Nancy is an ordained minister with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and holds a M.Div. degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Nancy is married to Sheldon, an organic/bio-dynamic farmer and rancher who raises blueberries and beef. They have two sons, three dogs, two cats, and a donkey.
There’s Nothing Wrong With You, How to Continue Living When You’re Heartbroken
Thursday, October 17th, 11 am until noon
We are hardwired as humans to connect with each other and we are hardwired to grieve when we experience a loss. In grief there is no timetable, roadmap or instruction book, and unfortunately we cannot fast-forward through the pain. However by honoring and experiencing your grief, you can find healing, joy, forgiveness and hope. Join us to talk about the effects that grief has on our brain, what the experience of grief can reveal, and how we can find our way through it.
How to Grieve, Decorate, and Deep Fry Your Turkey
Thursday, November 21st, 11 am until noon
As fall begins and the holidays begin to stack up, you may find yourself wishing you could go into hibernation until after Valentine’s Day. In this webinar we will discuss how to survive the holidays with a broken heart by sifting out what is important and making a plan that works for you.
Anxiety: An Unexpected Element of Grief
Thursday, December 19th, 11am until noon
The death of a loved one can stir up anxiety in a variety forms from specific fears to a general sense of worry or dread. It is unnerving, uncomfortable, and makes the grief process that much more challenging. The holiday season can often amplify those feelings. Even if you haven’t typically experienced anxiety in the past, the death of a loved one can leave you feeling fearful and uneasy. Or perhaps you are quite familiar with feelings of anxiety. The death of a loved one can escalate already difficult levels of worry. Join us to learn why anxiety is a common part of grief and how to work through it.
For questions, please call Hospice Austin’s Bereavement Department: 512-342-4700.