Hospice of Pella to Host Grief Education Programs with Nationally Recognized Expert Dr. Alan Wolfelt

Hospice of Pella at Pella Regional Health Center will host two grief education programs featuring internationally recognized grief educator, author and counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt on Thursday, October 8, at Third Church Auditorium, 708 E. 13th Street in Pella.

The day will offer opportunities for both professionals who support those experiencing grief and community members navigating the loss of a loved one.

 

From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dr. Wolfelt will present “The Art of ‘Companioning’ the Mourner: Caring Versus Curing.” The seminar is designed for professionals who work with individuals experiencing grief and loss, including counselors, social workers, clergy and chaplains, nurses, hospice professionals and others who provide grief support.

The seminar will explore Dr. Wolfelt’s philosophy of “companioning” — walking alongside those who grieve rather than trying to fix or cure their pain. Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills they can use when supporting grieving individuals. The seminar is approved for 5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Registration is required at https://www.pellahealth.org/wolfelt.

 

That evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Dr. Wolfelt will present “Tending to Your Broken Heart When Someone Dies: Hope for Your Healing.”

The free program is open to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one, as well as family members, friends and anyone who wants to better understand grief. No registration is required.

Based on Dr. Wolfelt’s book First Aid for Broken Hearts, the presentation will explore how loss changes us, why grief is a natural response to love, and healthy ways to move toward healing and hope.

“Grief is something we all experience, but we don’t always know what to do with it,” said Erica Knell, Director of Home Health and Hospice at Pella Regional. “We’re pleased to bring Dr. Wolfelt to Pella to provide both professionals and community members with practical, compassionate guidance for walking through grief.”

 

Dr. Alan Wolfelt is an internationally recognized author, educator and grief counselor and the founder of the Center for Loss and Life Transition. For more than four decades, he has helped individuals, families and professionals better understand grief and mourning. His “companioning” philosophy emphasizes being present with those who grieve rather than attempting to fix their pain.

For more information about either program, contact Hospice of Pella at 641.620.5050.