More than 130 attend ‘Grief in the 21st Century’ conference

It was a full house in Anne Arundel Community College’s Cade Room 219 as the school in Arnold, Maryland, and Chesapeake Life Center presented “Grief in the 21st Century,” Sept. 23

The cutting-edge conference sponsored by the John & Cathy Belcher Institute was led by experts in current grief research and clinical interventions that support those living with loss in today’s ever-changing environment. One hundred thirty-five people attended the event.

The full-day event began with keynote speaker Dr. M. Katherine Shear, the Marion E. Kenworthy Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Complicated Grief at Columbia School of Social Work presenting on “Grief: The Story of Love after Loss.” This was followed by five different breakout sessions and culminated with a viewing of “Grief Out Loud,” a short documentary created by grieving teens as part of their grief journey.

The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many applauding keynote speaker Dr. M. Katherine Shear. Many also enjoyed the diversity of sessions that included how people seek grief support from spaces on the internet to dealing with loss of a loved one due to substance abuse. “This has been one of the best seminars I’ve attended in a long time,” one attendee wrote in their evaluation. “I hope it will be an annual event.”

Throughout the year, Chesapeake Life Center offers opportunities for professional development. For a list of upcoming opportunities to learn and earn continuing education units, visit http://www.chesapeakelifecenter.org/professional-education or call 1-888-501-7077.

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Chesapeake Life Center, a program service of Hospice of the Chesapeake, serves hospice family members and the community with bereavement services and activities aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those grieving the loss of a loved one.