COVID-19 Grief & Loss

Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Location: The webinar link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

Grief is a natural response to loss. During the current global pandemic many people are experiencing a comprehensive spectrum of loss: the loss of loved ones, going to the office, social connections, a sense of normalcy, physical and financial security etc. This session will help participants understand grief and loss and equip them with strategies to respond to and cope with the particular losses brought about by the pandemic.

Objectives

  • Understand what grief is within the context of COVID-19
  •  Recognize how grief and loss manifest themselves
  • Learn about healthy ways of coping with grief
  • Recognize barriers to grieving
  • Learn how to support a grieving person

Facilitator: Rensia Melles has over 20 years of experience in the EAP field. Early in her career she worked as a counsellor and has held progressive positions as a clinical supervisor, director of operations and senior consultant for global EAPs. Rensia is passionate about fostering workplace mental health. She also has a specialized interest in the impact of culture on mental health and relationships, as well as cross cultural adaptation and relocation. Currently she works as a workplace psychological health and safety advisor and facilitator. Rensia has a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Amsterdam and is a Canadian Mental Health Association certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor.

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and their partners are welcome. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.