Indiana Donor Network presents

Dr. Alan Wolfelt

Grief Support Workshops

Join us for Companioning the Mourner in Early Grief: Principles & Practice

This workshop is intended for professionals who want to learn more about the essential caregiving principles for caring for grieving persons. It will be particularly helpful to OPO staff, counselors, social workers, clergy, chaplains, nurses and lay ministers. If you know someone who would find this helpful, encourage them to register!

About the Presenter

Dr. Alan Wolfelt has been recognized as one of North America’s leading death educators and grief counselors. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been translated into many languages. He serves as Director of the Center for Loss & Life Transition and is on the faculty of the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine. He is known around the world for his compassionate messages of hope and healing as well as his companioning philosophy of grief care. Dr. Wolfelt speaks on grief-related topics, offers trainings for caregivers, and has written many bestselling books and other resources on grief for both caregivers and grieving people.

He is the author of more than fifty bestselling books on grief and loss, including “Understanding Your Grief,” Grief One Day at a Time,” “Loving From the Outside in, Mourning From the Inside Out,” “The Journey Through Grief; Companioning the Bereaved: A Soulful Guide for Caregivers,” “Healing a Spouse’s Grieving Heart; Companioning the Grieving Child,” “Healing a Parent’s Grieving Heart,” and “Creating Meaningful Funeral Ceremonies.”

Click here to learn more and access Center for Loss resources.

Companioning the Mourner in Early Grief: Principles & Practices

This informative workshop will be helpful to participants who want to learn more about supporting people experiencing acute grief. The content will enhance your grief-informed body of knowledge surrounding the “crazy-making symptoms” of grief. The specific focus on early grief and beyond will enhance your helping role utilizing the Companioning Model developed by the presenter, Dr. Alan Wolfelt.

You will have the opportunity to learn the art of how to normalize the experiences that often leave the mourner questioning their sanity, without minimizing what they are going through. This workshop will enhance your capacity to bring those in grief the compassion and support they need and deserve.

April 23, 2025
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM EDT

Indiana Donor Network Headquarters
3750 Guion Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222

Note that this is a free, in-person event only, with no Zoom option.

Certificates of attendance will be available for attendees.

Agenda

Essential Ingredients of the Grief Care Provider: Focus on Body of Knowledge

Foundational Reminders of Distinction Between Bereavement, Grief, Mourning

Acknowledging the Difference Between “Caring” Versus “Curing”

Outline of “Companioning” Principles of Caregiving

Understanding the Concepts of “Hospitality” and “Sanctuary”

Understanding the Normalcy of Feeling “Crazy” When Experiencing Grief

Description of Intense, Acute Symptoms and the Helping Role

Exploration of Dr. Wolfelt’s Model for Supporting the Mourner in Acute Grief and Beyond

Introduction of When to Refer for “Naturally Complicated Grief”

Warning, Challenge, Reminder, Hope

Register

Professional Center for Loss Registration
Name
Name
First Name
Last Name