The holiday season can amplify feelings of loss and create unique challenges for those who are grieving. This compassionate, interactive workshop provides practical strategies and emotional support for navigating this challenging time.

This session offers a safe, understanding space to explore holiday grief while providing practical suggestions for managing the holiday season. Participants will learn coping strategies, and develop a personalized approach for honoring their grief and loved ones through the holiday season.

Topics will include:

-  The impact of the holiday season on grief 

- Strategies for coping with various and emotions and reactions

- Creating meaningful ways to honor and remember loved ones

- Setting boundaries and practicing self-care

- Managing expectations and social pressure

- Finding balance between grieving and participating in holiday activities

Dr. Kristen Dillon is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified Geropsychologist specializing in hospice, palliative care, and bereavement. She serves as a Staff Psychologist in Hospice & Palliative Care at VA Bedford, providing psychotherapy and grief support for Veterans and their families. With expertise in aging, grief, death & dying, and caregiving, Dr. Dillon aims to improve quality of life for older adults facing serious and life limiting illness through her clinical work, research, and training endeavors. In her personal life, Dr. Dillon is very involved in education and advocacy through the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Foundation. She is also the founder of a non-profit in honor of her late daughter Junie - Junie's Place, Inc, offers no-cost bereavement counseling and support to families experiencing child and infant loss, miscarriage, or stillbirth.