Overview: 

The Grief River® model evolved organically out of the popular “waves of grief” metaphor. It makes use of the phases of a river (headwaters, rapids, run, delta, and rejoining the sea) and other water analogies to provide a coherent narrative that places one’s current loss within the context of the entire life journey.

This model allows opportunities for connection and consolation through fostering relationship in nature, as well as offering validation and inspiration by using the expressive arts, religion & spirituality, and philosophy. Hospice and health care clinicians can use this model to provide a compass and additional supplies to companion the bereaved.

Objectives: 

• Explain to others the key elements of the Grief River model, which makes use of
  nature-inspired metaphors and offers a coherent narrative of loss in the context of the
  life journey.
• Access additional resources for further study and interventions for use with those who
  have experienced a loss.
• Be more intentional about the metaphors you use when engaging in helping
  relationships

Presenter: Thom Dennis, DMin, LCPC, LMHC, FT, creator of the Grief River® model

With over 30 years of experience supporting individuals and families as they navigate their way through some of life’s most turbulent and troubled waters, Thom brings real-world, practical knowledge applicable to all interdisciplinary team members working in hospice and palliative care. With a professional career immersed in pastoral care and counseling, he has served in various culturally diverse settings, including parish ministry, hospital chaplaincy, and for the past 18 years as a hospice bereavement services coordinator and grief counselor.

Thom is currently on staff at the mental health clinic at Midwest Medical Center in Galena, Illinois, where he also maintains a private psychotherapy practice and offers Grief River ® weekend workshops and retreats. As an artist, poet, and riparian, he strives to integrate into his personal life the wisdom he’s been exposed to as a companion of the bereaved.