Understanding Grief – An Intro conversation – Nov. 27
Application Deadline
For more information, call us: 819 564-3666, ext. 2177
Description
Grief is a deeply personal and often isolating experience—but no one needs to navigate it alone. Champlain College’s Grief Workshops, offered through Continuing Education, provide a compassionate, educational, and supportive online space to explore the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of grief and loss. Whether you are a caregiver, family member, or someone coping with personal loss, this workshop helps participants understand the grieving process, find meaning in loss, and integrate their experiences into life with support and respect.
Participants will explore key models of grief, including the widely known five stages of grief by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and the sixth stage added by David Kessler—finding meaning. The workshop also introduces the Dual Process Model of Bereavement, which helps individuals understand the balance between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping. Through guided discussions, attendees will reflect on their own experiences, learn about common responses to grief, and explore complicated grief scenarios such as sudden loss, prolonged illness, or conflictual relationships.
In addition to understanding the psychological aspects of grieving, the workshop addresses the physiological impact of loss on the body and emphasizes the importance of compassionate care for yourself while grieving.
Participants will also have the opportunity to briefly reflect on and discuss the dying process of someone they cared for or loved. This gentle exploration helps bring insight and understanding to that experience and opens space to consider how it may have impacted their grief, as this is often a significant and deeply interwoven part of the healing journey.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of grief, tools for coping, and renewed connection through shared experience. A list of resources will be provided, including recommended readings, helpful links, and contact information for local services that offer grief support in English regularly.
Delivery Method
VIRTUAL through TEAMS
We highly encourage participants to keep their cameras on to foster a more interactive and engaging workshop experience.
Dates and Time
Thursday, November 27, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost
Regular: $25 ($28.74 incl. taxes)
Special rate for CRC students and staff
About the Instructor
Vanessa Salvatore is an educator in Special Education Techniques at Champlain College, where they teach about death, dying, and the stages of grief. With a background as an intervenor and Integrative Body Psychotherapy Practitioner, they’ve worked with individuals living with cancer, using movement and mindfulness to gently explore grief. Known for exceptional active listening skills and a deeply supportive presence, Vanessa is passionate about guiding others through the grieving process while fostering understanding, resilience, and healing.
