Creative Grief Studio

Writer and educator Katie Riegel shares how her Creative Grief Studio training reshaped the way she teaches, listens, and writes, bringing new depth to her creative life. Read her story: https://creativegriefstudio.substack.com/p/writing-through-grief-how-creative

What if your session notes were written for your clients, not just about them? Explore this reflection and a short exercise on the Creative Grief Studio Substack: https://creativegriefstudio.substack.com/p/who-are-your-grief-support-session

"It was helpful having tools demonstrated to see how we can implement them. I observed how others respond & hold space for each reaction. I also enjoyed the demonstration videos and recordings too, which increased the hands-on experience." Dana Cray, CGS Alumni https://short.fo/CGScertification

The Creative Grief Studio is on Substack! Subscribe for creative tools, stories, and reflections that help grief practitioners grow their work with imagination and heart. https://creativegriefstudio.substack.com/

Lingering in the In-between The disenfranchised grief of retirement Read more here: https://creativegriefstudio.substack.com/p/lingering-in-the-in-between

Lingering in the In-between
The disenfranchised grief of retirement
Read more here: creativegriefstudio.substack.com/p/lingering-...

It’s a practice, not a perfect… Shifting from expertise to curiosity in grief support

Read More... creativegriefstudio.substack.com/p/its-a-prac...

It’s a practice, not a perfect… Shifting from expertise to curiosity in grief support

Read more here: creativegriefstudio.substack.com/p/its-a-prac...

“It’s a practice, not a perfect.” That simple phrase carries a lot of meaning. Creative Grief Studio Founder, Kara, tells the story of how these words first took root in her life and work.

Welcome to The Creative Grief Studio on Substack A creative, social justice-centered community for grief support practitioners worldwide

[Tap, tap, tap] Is this thing on?

Creative Grief Studio | Substack The Creative Grief Studio trains and supports grief practitioners worldwide through our 4-month online certification program and self-study courses. Click to read Creative Grief Studio, a Substack pub...

Join us on Substack! We are moving our newsletter over there. creativegriefstudio.substack.com

"A sense of catharism was experienced as everyone became vulnerable with their own grief experiences in the safe space provided. I learned that we can allow our grief experiences to become a beautiful journey of rediscovery." Dana Cray, CGS Alumni https://short.fo/CGScertification

Just as patience is a practice, rather than a feeling, hope and grief are not simply things we feel but things we enact in the world. When we enact grief with intention, and in concert with other people, we can find and create moments of relief, comfort, and even joy—and those moments can sustain us. As Malkia Devich-Cyril writes, “Becoming aware of grief gives us more choices about how to respond to grief and opens up possibilities to approach grief not only with compassion for self and others, but also with joy. Joy is not the opposite of grief. Grief is the opposite of indifference.” Hope, too, requires us to reject indifference. And like any indifference-rejecting phenomenon, it demands effort in order to thrive. When we talk about hope in these times, we are not prescribing optimism. Rather, we are talking about a practice and a discipline … This practice of hope allows us to remain creative and strategic. It does not require us to deny the severity of our situation or detract from our practice of grief. To practice active hope, we do not need to believe that everything will work out in the end. We need only decide who we are choosing to be and how we are choosing to function in relation to the outcome we desire and abide by what those decision demand of us.

If you look at the state of the world and start feeling like hope is pointless, I want to share this passage from @prisonculture.bsky.social and @mskellymhayes.bsky.social's book LET THIS RADICALIZE YOU, from the chapter "Hope and Grief Can Coexist."

www.haymarketbooks.org/books/1922-l...

Grief is personal, and so is our training! Our program features small groups of 10 or fewer, hands-on creative exercises, direct access to instructors, and a supportive community that lasts beyond the course. For engaging and transformative grief training, apply today at CreativeGriefStudio.com.

What "grief rules" and prescriptions for how one "should" grieve seem to cause most trouble for your clients? CreativeGriefStudio.com

Talking about grief isn’t always enough. Creativity helps access emotions words can't reach. Like:
🎨 Art to express feelings
📖 Journaling
🎶 Music to connect memories
🍲 Cooking significant meals
Join our training at CreativeGriefStudio.com to integrate creativity into grief support!

Creativity is a game-changer in grief. Art, writing, movement, and even baking can help process emotions in ways words can’t. Explore creative grief support at CreativeGriefStudio.com.

👉 What’s a creative outlet that helps you process emotions?

Our Monthly Happy Hour for Death and Grief Workers is happening today at 1 PM Pacific. This is a space to connect with others in the field, share your experiences, and feel supported. Free, but registration required. Join us: https://creativegriefstudio.com/short-courses/

"In what specific ways do you work to build egalitarian, equal-power relationships with your clients?" CreativeGriefStudio.com

"This course felt like it balanced creative/interpretative work with more academic learning, which was fabulous." — Sarah Durham, Creative Grief Studio Student. Find more at CreativeGriefStudio.com

The Creative Grief Studio certification program is about more than just training—it’s about building a supportive community of practitioners dedicated to meaningful grief support. Find out how you can join at creativegriefstudio.com/grief-certification.

Supporting someone in grief means learning about their unique path. Our training at Creative Grief Studio prepares practitioners to bring true empathy into their work. Discover more at creativegriefstudio.com.

Applications are open! The next Creative Grief Studio session is enrolling now. Small group, big impact. Don’t miss your chance to integrate creativity into your grief support work. Apply today at CreativeGriefStudio.com.

Take a break with us. The Monthly Happy Hour for Death + Grief Workers is a space for support, connection, and honest conversation. No agenda, just what’s alive in the moment. Join us next Friday at 1 PM Pacific. Free, but registration required: https://creativegriefstudio.com/short-courses/

Traditional grief models not only don’t always fit but can also create shame. People grieve in unique ways, so why promote rigid stages and checklists? We teach a creative, flexible approach. Learn more at CreativeGriefStudio.com.

👉 Have you ever felt pressured to grieve a certain way?

Grief is not a mental illness. It’s a natural human experience. Learn how to distinguish normal grief from complicated grief and when to refer clients out to other practitioners. Find training at CreativeGriefStudio.com.

👉 What myths about grief do you hear the most?

Are you a creative practitioner? Writers, photographers, painters, musicians and other creatives can bring grief support into their work in powerful ways. You don’t have to be a therapist to help people process grief creatively. Join us at CreativeGriefStudio.com.

Grief is everywhere: workplaces, relationships, communities. Therapists, social workers, coaches, and even yoga instructors find that grief skills transform their work. Learn how at CreativeGriefStudio.com. 👉 Where have you seen grief show up unexpectedly?

Not all grief is obvious. Your clients may be carrying unspoken losses that shape their decisions and emotions. Learn how to recognize and support hidden grief at CreativeGriefStudio.com.

👉 What’s a type of grief people rarely talk about?

Many professionals avoid grief work because they fear burnout. But what if supporting grief felt lighter, more creative, and more sustainable? Our approach helps you hold space without carrying all the weight. Learn more at CreativeGriefStudio.com.

How do you set boundaries in heavy work?

Grief isn’t just about death. It can stem from divorce, career changes, social injustices, or even personal growth. Are you prepared to support grief in all its forms? Learn more at CreativeGriefStudio.com.

What’s a non-death loss you’ve seen impact someone deeply?