Currently, on a potentially constant basis, not only are our client’s experiencing their own grief journey but we as dance therapists are as well. This is not limited solely to death loss but includes other life transitions, ceremonies, and changes. The challenge lies in addressing our grief journey while remaining present for our clients and not projecting or inserting our experience into their journey. This is especially necessary when working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. However, there may exist the potential for using our experiences as a resource of wisdom for guiding clients. Integrated with these previously discussed processes are the necessary skills to work with a client in grief no matter the type of loss, and dance therapists are in a unique and advantageous position to dance with this dual process and weave in the necessary skills. The goal of this presentation is to address, briefly, both the skill sets to work with clients in grief and to navigate the balance of being there for ourselves as dance therapists and our clients. We will utilize lecture, movement experientials, and discussion to dive into the practical information and draw on our internal wisdom.

1. Demonstrate tangible culturally responsive skills for working with clients in grief.

2. An awareness of your own grief process and how to honor your own journey while respecting your clients journey.

3. Integrate the new knowledge gained from this session to better draw upon your own grief journey as a resource for supporting your clients grief journey.

1.25 ADTA CE, 1.25 NBCC CE, 1.25 NYLCAT CE