Anticipatory Grief: BEFORE an Expected Loss (Part 1 of 3)

Anticipatory Grief: Before, During, and After Expected Loss

You are warmly invited to join us for a supportive three-part webinar series exploring the complex, often unspoken journey of Anticipatory Grief.

This series is designed to offer a safe place for those navigating the overwhelming and confusing emotions that naturally arise before a significant loss—whether it be a diagnosis, a changing relationship, or a life transition. Each session is 90 minutes, featuring 60 minutes of compassionate education followed by 30 minutes of open Q&A.

Anticipatory grief is a normal reaction to expected loss. It occurs when a loved one gets diagnosed, as pets grow older, or when we face the end of a career or relationship. It’s more than accepting a future death; it involves mourning small, daily losses—such as independence, shared dreams, security, and identity.

If you feel conflicted, guilty, or exhausted, know that you are not alone. These feelings are valid. This series will guide you through the three distinct phases of this journey, helping you build the skills to cope with grace and presence.

Part 1: Before the Loss: How to Live and Actively Mourn (Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm PT)

In our first conversation, we will distinguish between grief (what you feel) and mourning (what you do). We will gently dismantle common myths and identify the practical coping skills you already possess to navigate daily changes. The goal is to help you navigate the "looming" anxiety and the countless micro-losses occurring before the loss.

Part 2: During the Loss: The Moment of Transition (Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm PT)

Even when expected, the finality of loss—a death, a divorce decree, a bankruptcy—can be shocking. The curtain falls, and the "during" phase ends. We will discuss why you might feel prepared yet overwhelmed, and how to plan ahead to ensure you have the specific support you need on the day the loss occurs.

Part 3: After the Loss: Healing and Integration (Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:30Reimagnie pm PT)

You will eventually find yourself in the "wilderness" of grief. Here, we explore why there is no right or wrong way to grieve and how telling your story softens the harshness of the experience. You will be invited to create a personal grief plan based on the 6 Universal Needs of Mourning, supporting you as you move at your own pace toward reconciling and integrating the loss into your life.

A Final Word: Trust Your Heart

"Trust your grief. Listen to it. Learn from it. Allow it to lead and teach you – at its own pace – what it needs." — Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D.

Grief does not respond to logic; it is a journey of the heart. You are living through extremely challenging circumstances, yet you are resilient. By attending to your grief now, you are building the capacity to live through the time of loss with grace, love, and compassion.

We look forward to walking this path with you.

How Can I Help?

Hello, I'm Garrick Colwell. It is a privilege to connect with you.

Since 1987, I have walked alongside individuals and families navigating the tender journeys of end-of-life planning and grief. My work as a hospice volunteer and chaplain has taught me that while loss is a universal experience, no one should have to carry it alone. I created Kitchen Table Conversations to provide a safe, supportive space where we can explore these difficult topics together with compassion and clarity.

My Journey & Credentials

A Foundation of Care

I am deeply committed to helping others understand the profound landscape of loss. As a Certified Grief Educator (trained by David Kessler) and a Respecting Choices® Instructor, I strive to bring both professional expertise and a listening heart to every interaction.

Specialized Support

Currently, my focus is on Anticipatory Grief—the complex emotions we feel when a loved one receives a chronic or terminal diagnosis. Through our program developed with Hospice Austin, I help families cope with grief before, during, and after a loss.

• Certified Grief Educator (David Kessler & Grief.com)
• Death & Grief Studies Certification (Dr. Alan Wolfelt, Center for Loss)
• Grief Care Professional (Megan Divine)
• Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (The Grief Recovery Institute)

Let's Connect

You are warmly invited to join our community. We offer free webinars and support groups designed to help you find your way through the challenges of end-of-life planning and the wilderness of anticipatory grief.

• Explore Resources: Kitchen Table Conversations - Anticipatory Grief
• Email Me: garrick@KitchenTableConversations.org
• Call: 512-787-3402