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 fronts 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 webinars Conversations On Grief and Healing Grief Holistically may be the support solution you’re looking for.

Our webinars offer 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 Supervisor Maggie Cochran and Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services Nancy McCranie. Conversations On Grief webinars are offered the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7 pm to 8 pm. You’re welcome to attend one, several or all webinars.

• Maggie Cochran, LCSW– As the Bereavement Supervisor at Hospice Austin since 2013, Maggie oversees the grief support offered to families of patients that Hospice Austin has served as well as anybody in our community who is grieving. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Maggie came to bereavement work through her combined experience in pediatric oncology as well as having loved ones receive hospice care at the end of their lives. Maggie is grateful to work for Hospice Austin and enjoys volleyball, running and animals of the feline persuasion.
• 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 Bill, an organic/bio-dynamic farmer and rancher who raises blueberries and beef. They have two sons, four dogs, and two cats.

Upcoming Conversations on Grief Webinars

• There’s Nothing Wrong With You, How to Continue Living When You’re Heartbroken
  Tuesday, October 10th
  7:00 – 8:00 pm
  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.
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• How to Grieve, Decorate, and Deep Fry Your Turkey
  Tuesday, November 14th
  7:00 – 8:00 pm
  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.
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• Anxiety: An Unexpected Element of Grief
  Tuesday, December 12th
  7:00 – 8:00 pm
  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. 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.
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Please call the Bereavement Department at 512-342-4700 if you have any questions or would like more information.

“It was good to be in the company of others, yet comfortable at home. I wouldn’t attend a meeting at night and if I had to battle with Austin traffic.”