Upcoming Bereavement Services Workshops
All our Bereavement Services workshops take place at Yolo Hospice’s offices in Davis (1909 Galileo Ct., Suite ‘A‘) unless otherwise noted. All are free of charge, but pre-registration is required. To register for any of the following Bereavement Services workshops, please call our Bereavement Support office at (800) 491-7711 or (530) 758-5566.
Understanding Early Grief
Four-week Workshops: Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Spring Session February 6, 13, 20, 27 (RSVP by Feb. 3);
Summer Session July 2, 9, 16, 23 (RSVP by June 29); OR
Fall Session September 3, 10, 17 and 24 (RSVP by August 31)
This four-session workshop explores the nature of grief as it may be experienced within the first 6 months after a loss. The format includes a series of brief presentations on aspects of the early grief experience, followed by gentle conversations.
Weekly topics are The Physiology of Grief; Accommodating Regret and Unfinished Business; Longing, Loneliness and Solitude; Identity and Meaning-Making. This is a closed group for people generally within 1-6 months of their loss. Pre-registration is required. The same series will be offered three times during 2020.
Charting YOUR Path after Loss
Four-week Workshops: Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Spring session March 5, 12, 19, 26 (RSVP by March 1);
Summer session June 4, 11, 18 and 25 (RSVP by June 1); OR
Fall session October 1, 8, 15 and 22 (RSVP September 28)
The death of a loved one can change many things, including how we view our identity, roles, and purpose. In this free, four-session conversational course, participants will learn ways to recognize their self-guiding values as they engage more fully in life after their loss. Group members are advised to be at least one year past their loss and able to attend all four sessions. Pre-registration is required. The same series will be offered three times during 2020.
Grief and Loss: Healing through the Use of Yoga
Five-week class: Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
February 4 – March 5
Explore your grief process in a supportive group environment through education, sharing and yoga. The use of gentle yoga postures and breathing techniques supports the union of the body, mind and spirit in the healing journey of grief. The outcome may be replenished energy, improved sleep, decreased anxiety and an overall feeling of relaxation and calm.
NO YOGA EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Facilitated by Colleen McDonald, LMFT, bereavement counselor, RYT (registered yoga teacher)
Please contact Yolo Hospice at (530)758-5566 to register by Monday, February 3rd. Space is limited. There is no fee to participate. Donations welcome. Group dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Processing Loss through Visual Arts: Drawing, Collage, Assemblage, Clay Works, Mandala Building and Ritual Development Support Group
Eight-week Workshop: Tuesdays, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
January 21 and 28; February 4, 11, 18 and 25; and March 3 and 10
In this eight-week group, participants will engage experientially via a range of visual modalities that invite and facilitate awakening, awareness, processing and expression of grief and mourning. This workshop encourages experimentation and risk-taking through multiple visual forms as a means of accessing, being with and transforming loss and grief. In this workshop, art-making materials, methods and attitudes are applied to grief and mourning work.
Processing Loss Through Expressive Arts: Image, Sound, Movement, Word and Ritual Development Support Group
Eight-week Workshop: Tuesdays, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
March 24 and 31; April 7, 14, 21 and 28; and May 5 and 12
In this eight-week group, participants will engage experientially via a range of expressive forms across the five senses that invite and facilitate awakening, awareness, processing and expression of grief and mourning. This workshop encourages experimentation and risk-taking through multiple expressive forms as a means of accessing, being with and transforming loss and grief. In this workshop, materials, methods, and attitudes from art, dance, theatre and poetry/writing along with ritual development and enactment are applied to grief and mourning work.
Please note: No prior experience required. Designed for all levels of experience. All materials will be provided. Registration required. Space limited. Please register by Thursday, March 19th.
The Poetry, Prose and Lyrics of Loss
Six-week Workshop: Tuesdays, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
October 6, 13, 20 and 27; and November 2 and 9
In this workshop, participants will explore and create poetry, prose and song lyrics emerging from the encounter with death, dying, illness, loss, grief, and mourning. We will present a range of writing in concert with exercises for generating ideas, words, and text to support each participant in the development of personal work. The final session will offer an opportunity for participants to present a selection of writing made during the workshop.
Please note: This is a closed group designed participants committed to and experience in which each session builds on the ones before and includes the same participants for six consecutive weekly sessions. No prior experience required. Designed for all levels of experience. All materials will be provided. Registration required. Space limited. This workshop is free of charge. Please register by Thursday, October 1st.
Mother’s Day Strategies
Workshop: Monday, May 4, 2020, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This workshop is an invitation to recognize, acknowledge, explore and engage with the influence and death of anyone who has been a mother figure in our lives.
Group members should be at least one year past their loss and able to attend all four sessions. This is a closed group. Registration required. Please RSVP by April 27th.
Father’s Day Strategies
Workshop: Monday, June 15, 2020, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
This free workshop is an invitation to recognize, acknowledge, explore and engage with the influence and death of anyone who has been a father figure in our lives.
Group members should be at least one year past their loss and able to attend all four sessions. This is a closed group. Registration required. Please RSVP by June 8th.
A Holiday Strategies Workshop: Making Meaning of the Holidays
Thursday, November 19, 2020
1:00 – 2:30 pm., repeats at 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
When grieving the loss of a loved one, holidays and special days can be especially difficult. This workshop will provide practical and supportive information to help the bereaved through the emotional highs and lows of these days. Join with others who are living with loss as we find emotional support, learn ways to cope with holiday stress, and create a sense of hope and joy. Please register by Wednesday, November 18th.
Children and teens bereavement support is offered through our Stepping Stones program.
Upcoming Bereavement Services Events
Annual Memorial Service
Saturday, May 16th, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
University Covenant Church, 315 Mace Blvd, Davis, CA
Yolo Hospice invites the family and loved ones of our patients to attend the annual memorial service hosted by Yolo Hospice each year. The service honors patients who have died during the previous year, as well as other community members. If you would like to have your loved one remembered in this service, please send us a photo of your loved one for the video presentation. To find out about sending us a photo, and to RSVP by May 8th, please call bereavement services.
Community Outreach
Yolo Hospice Bereavement services provide grief education and support sessions to schools, skilled nursing homes, businesses, and other community organizations upon request. Request this service by calling 530-758-5566.
