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.

Brittany Carter, LMSW– As the Bereavement Coordinator at Hospice Austin, Brittany 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 Master Social Worker, Brittany came to bereavement work through her experience as the Social Work Mentor at Hospice Austin as well as having loved ones receive hospice care at the end of their lives. Brittany is grateful to work for Hospice Austin and enjoys playing sports, and spending time with family and friends and her two cats.

• Thursday, July 18th – Grief, Guilt, and Self Forgiveness:  Feelings of guilt or regret are common and often powerful in grief. They demand and deserve acknowledgement and exploration. We can’t simply stop feeling guilty because we or someone else tells us to. If only it was that simple!  When it comes to guilt and regret, it is important to reflect honestly on the feelings as well as the roots beneath them. Then we can use tools such as self-forgiveness and writing to accept, integrate, and take the next steps on our journey. In this webinar you’ll learn how to soften the grip of guilt and use it to reveal what you most value in the face of heartbreak.

  REGISTER HERE

• Thursday, August 15th – Buckle Up:  The Emotional Roller Coaster of Grieving:  The experience of grief can feel like being on a roller coaster that you have no control over. Key steps to surviving such a painful and rough ride are adjusting expectations, developing coping strategies and choosing how to experience your grief. Also important is recognizing that the ups and downs of grief are normal and healthy. Join us to learn what we know about grief, how to exercise choice when possible, and how to lean into the unexpected and unwelcome parts.

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• Thursday, September 19th – Tuesday, June 11th – Stigmas, Myths, and Misconceptions:  What are the stigmas, myths and misconceptions of grief? Which ones have you and others placed on your grief? Are these beliefs and expectations helpful and compassionate? We believe each person has the right to define their own grief experience. We also believe that although grief is a deeply personal experience, healing comes from exploring and talking about it in an open and non-judgmental environment. 

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• For questions, please call Hospice Austin’s Bereavement Department:  512-342-4700.