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During our time together, you'll have a chance to connect with fellow survivors through sharing groups, workshops and activities. Our workshop presenters are leading experts in the field of suicide grief and loss, and you'll have the opportunity to gain tools and resources for your grief journey.

You'll be able to choose from a variety of sessions that cover a range of topics including telling your story of loss, finding hope, and health and wellness. We've also built in opportunities for peer connections and special remembrance activities.

Getting Connected to the Seminar

The TAPS Events app puts the program right in the palm of your hand. Leading up to the seminar weekend, you can connect with fellow survivors and TAPS staff, review the scheduled program, read about featured speakers, and access additional content that will support you wherever you are in your grief journey.

For those attending virtually, you will access the Zoom sessions by logging into the TAPS Events app on either your desktop computer or mobile device.

• Mobile App Login

Schedule and Workshops

All times below are in the Central time zone.

Friday, October 7

• 12:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Peer Mentor Training

• 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Family Registration

• 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Childcare

• 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - TAPS Store

• 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Resource Village

• 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Survivor Sanctuary

• 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Family Dinner Buffet

• 6:00 p.m. - Good Grief Camp Drop Off

• 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  
  Peer Connection Sessions
  Reconnecting with Returning Attendees
  New to Loss/First Time Attendees
  Men's Huddle
  Home Base Program Graduates
  Peer Mentors
  Young Adults (ages 18-30)

• 7:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  
  Dessert Sharing Group Sessions
  Spouses/Significant Others/Fiances/Former Spouses
  Parents/Grandparents
  Homicide With Suicide Loss
  I Served Too: Survivors Who Have or Are Serving in the Military
  Siblings
  Adult Children

Saturday, October 8

• 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. - Outdoor Morning Walk

• 7:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

  Yoga with Warrior Spirit
  Get ready to face your day with a gentle yoga practice that will awaken your mind, open your heart, and get your body moving. We ease into simple stretches and poses. No yoga experience required, but comfy clothes are best. You don't even have to be fully awake to participate! Come join and breathe with us, and together we will rise and shine. Mats/towels provided.

• 7:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. - Family Breakfast
  There will be tables reserved for a Men's Only breakfast social.

• 7:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. - Family Registration

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - TAPS Store

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Resource Village

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Survivor Care Sanctuary

• 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Childcare

• 8:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. - Good Grief Camp

• 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  Open Art Studio - Jennifer Baldwin | Dr. Jenna Michalik Preston
  This is a safe and quiet space for attendees to explore their grief in creative ways, guided by skilled and compassionate art therapists. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a seasoned artist or someone who isn't sure where to start.
  

• 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 

  Welcome/Opening Session

• 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

  Plenary Session - Dr. Matthew A. Miller

• 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Good Grief Camp Lunch

• 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Adult Lunch

• 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. - WORKSHOPS

  Yoga - iRest – Jenny Howland | Jason Howland
  This experiential workshop is designed to raise awareness of the general impact of trauma on the mind and body, and how Steady Warriors yoga and meditation practices can activate the relaxation response and build long-term resilience. The practice is accessible and adaptive for all abilities and will include calm and gentle movement focused on breath, sensation and noticing what is present while moving towards nonjudgmental acceptance of whatever arises. It will conclude with an Integrative Restoration (iRest®) meditation. Yoga mats will be provided.

  Parenting While Grieving – Dr. Pamela Gabbay
  As a parent, how do you navigate the challenges of parenting your grieving children while also taking care of yourself and your own grief? How do you make time for and fully acknowledge your loss while also helping your children cope with theirs? Often, parents put their needs on hold. While caring for your children is your primary role and concern, it is also important to think about yourself and what you need for support. In this interactive workshop, we'll discuss coping and caring for yourself while also caring for your children and other family members. Plenty of time will be given for discussion and questions.
  This session will be offered virtually*.

  Healing Trauma: The Power of Peer Support and Professional Care – Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton | Jacque Francona | Betsy Hart | Stacie Fredriksson
  This workshop will focus on the understanding of traumatic loss, as well as exploring skills and resources that can support the grieving process. The session will compare the differences between grief and trauma, review various options for treatment and trauma-informed care, and explore the hopeful concept referred to as "Posttraumatic Growth" for healing after a traumatic loss. TAPS proudly welcomes special guest and partner, Home Base Programs of Boston, to present on a powerful example of how connecting peer-based support combined with professional care can help suicide survivors heal and stabilize trauma. Home Base is currently offering these unique trauma treatment cohorts for TAPS suicide survivors, including: surviving spouses/ intimate partners, surviving parents, surviving siblings and adult children, and survivors who are also U.S. Veterans.

  Getting Support When We Don't Know What We Need Using Metaphor Communication – Dr. Frank Campbell
  After a suicide loss, people in our lives may not know how to support us, and we may not know how to even identify what supports we need. First we need to know what we need or want from others in our life who belong on the support bench. Then each survivor can find a way to ask for that so that the other person hears and heeds the request. Using a form of SOS shorthand might make this communication more clear and increase getting what you want once you know that is, indeed, what you want.
  This session will be offered virtually*.

  We Are All Connected - Young Adults (ages 18-30)– Jason Stout
  The feelings that come with death loss can make us feel alone and disconnected from others when what we need for our healing is to be connected. Please join us for this Hands-on, experiential, group activity where participants have the opportunity to share feelings and experiences from their grief journey.

• 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - WORKSHOPS

  How to Grieve Like a Man (for men only) – Dr. Frank Campbell
  This session will be a conversation about how men navigate their grief. We will discuss how men can grieve in a healthy way while exploring the challenges faced by men and how society, family, and friends expect us to handle our grief. This is an ideal workshop for men in attendance who may be dating a survivor, as well as for men who are actively grieving the loss of a loved one.

  TAPS Advocacy and Legislative Update – Candace Wheeler | Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann
  Learn how the TAPS policy team is advocating for you on Capitol Hill on a variety of issues from remarriage to toxic exposure. This is your opportunity to learn about how TAPS is fighting for surviving families, and for our Policy and Legislative team to hear what issues matter most to YOU!

  Healing Trauma: The Power of Peer Support and Professional Care – Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton | Jacque Francona | Betsy Hart | Stacie Fredriksson
  This workshop will focus on the understanding of traumatic loss, as well as exploring skills and resources that can support the grieving process. The session will compare the differences between grief and trauma, review various options for treatment and trauma-informed care, and explore the hopeful concept referred to as "Posttraumatic Growth" for healing after a traumatic loss. TAPS proudly welcomes special guest and partner, Home Base Programs of Boston, to present on a powerful example of how connecting peer-based support combined with professional care can help suicide survivors heal and stabilize trauma. Home Base is currently offering these unique trauma treatment cohorts for TAPS suicide survivors, including: surviving spouses/ intimate partners, surviving parents, surviving siblings and adult children, and survivors who are also U.S. Veterans.

  Helping Children and Teens Deal With Difficult Emotions – Dr. Pamela Gabbay
  Children and teenagers struggle with many difficult and unsettling emotions after the suicide death of someone in their lives. These emotions include anger, guilt, sorrow and shame, among others. Reactions and emotions like these can be particularly intense for bereaved teens. Parents and caregivers want to do everything they can to help, but are not always sure about the best ways to support their kids. This presentation will cover practical ways that you can help your child or teen after the death of someone close, including how to cope with difficult emotions and grief reactions, family dynamics, and societal stigmas that impact the grieving process.
  This session will be offered virtually*.

• 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

  Family Dinner

Sunday, October 9

• 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. - Outdoor Morning Walk

• 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - Family Breakfast
  There will be tables reserved for a Men's Only breakfast social.

• 7:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

  Yoga with Warrior Spirit
  Get ready to face your day with a gentle yoga practice that will awaken your mind, open your heart, and get your body moving. We ease into simple stretches and poses. No yoga experience required, but comfy clothes are best. You don't even have to be fully awake to participate! Come join and breathe with us, and together we will rise and shine. Mats/towels provided.

• 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Resource Village

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - TAPS Store

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Survivor Care Sanctuary

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Childcare

• 8:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Good Grief Camp

• 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  Open Art Studio - Jennifer Baldwin | Dr. Jenna Michalik Preston
  This is a safe and quiet space for attendees to explore their grief in creative ways, guided by skilled and compassionate art therapists. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a seasoned artist or someone who isn't sure where to start.

• 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. - WORKSHOPS

  Yoga - iRest – Jenny Howland | Jason Howland
  This experiential workshop is designed to raise awareness of the general impact of trauma on the mind and body, and how Steady Warriors yoga and meditation practices can activate the relaxation response and build long-term resilience. The practice is accessible and adaptive for all abilities and will include calm and gentle movement focused on breath, sensation and noticing what is present while moving towards nonjudgmental acceptance of whatever arises. It will conclude with an Integrative Restoration (iRest®) meditation. Yoga mats will be provided.

  Use Your Voice for Change – Candace Wheeler | Ashylnne Haycock-Lohmann
  Learn how the TAPS policy team is advocating for you on Capitol Hill on a variety of issues from remarriage to toxic exposure. You will also learn how to advocate for yourself and your family. How to find and contact your Members of Congress. How to share your story in a productive way to create change. Your voice matters. YOU can and will make a difference!

  God Winks – Bonnie Carroll
  Some people call them "God Winks," some call them signs, messages, or after-death communication. No matter what we call them, signs from our loved ones can be very present in our lives. Stories and experiences of the presence of our loved ones will be discussed in this open-minded and intimate sharing session.

  Spirituality and Grief: A Conversation about Faith and Belief after Loss - Andy McNiel
  Faith, belief, and spirituality play a vital role in the lives of many of us after someone in our life dies. Many of us find strength through our faith as we journey through grief. While others of us may find faith to be difficult in the aftermath of loss. Spirituality can have complicated ebbs and flows as we navigate the many challenges that grief brings to our lives. Join us for this interactive session on spirituality and grief. We will discuss how our faith has brought us strength, how our faith may have been challenged by loss, and ways our grief may have impacted deeply held beliefs.

• 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

  God Winks – Bonnie Carroll
  Some people call them “God Winks,” some call them signs, messages, or after-death communication. No matter what we call them, signs from our loved ones can be very present in our lives. Stories and experiences of the presence of our loved ones will be discussed in this open-minded and intimate sharing session.

  Transitioning Back to "The Real World" – Dr. Carla Stump Patton | Terri Jones
  Returning home from a TAPS family gathering can leave us with a variety of emotions. Over the past few days, we have been in a caring and loving environment, surrounded by the support of many people who understand our grief. Now we will be returning to everyday life where we might have few people who understand our experiences. This workshop will help you take your new understanding, coping skills, and resources with you to use in your everyday life, while always remembering that you have your TAPS family to rely on for support when you need it.
  This session will be offered virtually*.

  Creating Meaning From Loss – Audri Beugelsdijk | Sammi Hester
  This interactive workshop is for survivors exploring how they have (or want to) create meaning since their loss. Ideas about the role of meaning-making in the grief process are presented, such as Bob Neimeyer's assertion that loss "requires us to reconstruct a world that again 'makes sense; that restores a semblance of meaning, direction, and interpretability to a life that is forever transformed." Participants engage in guided discussions to reflect on changes they have experienced, share personal observations about how meaning-making has played a role in their grief journey, and whether or not meaning is found or created.
  This session will be offered virtually*.

  Why Can't We All Just Get Along? – Dr. Frank Campbell
  Family dynamics after loss can be difficult to navigate. This presentation will examine the conflicts that arise within a family system when grief changes the dynamics. Survivors attending will have an opportunity to share struggles they have experienced to determine what support might be available or ways they can change the dynamics.
  This session will be offered virtually*.

  Dreams, Dragons, & Decisions - Finding Meaning & Purpose in Your Life - Young Adults (ages 18-30) – Jason Stout
  During this workshop, you will learn about the benefits of having meaning and purpose in our lives as we explore how you can discover yours.

• 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - Closing Session & Adult Lunch

• 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Good Grief Camp Lunch

• 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Good Grief Camp Pickup

• 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

  Afternoon Cafe - Time to Connect, a Moment for You
  With our event program officially concluding after lunchtime, some people may be leaving early and others may be staying another evening. For those who are staying a bit longer today or another night, we have additional options for connections and support. We encourage you to visit our art therapy room, attend one of the sharing groups, and/or take time to enjoy one of the additional suggestions below to help relax, rejuvenate, and refresh. We will have coffee/tea with light snacks in the late afternoon, followed by a wonderful dinner. 
  * Go for a walk in nature around the hotel. Take in sounds, sights, and thoughts.
  * Visit the Survivor Care Sanctuary; share your experiences of the weekend so far:
  * Relax poolside and listen to calming music.
  * Practice yoga or quiet meditation time.
  * Call or video chat with a loved one back home.
  * Set an alarm, take a refreshing nap.
  * Visti the TAPS store for a souvenir.

• 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

  Sharing Group Sessions
  Spouses/Significant Others/Fiances/Former Spouses
  Parents/Grandparents 
  Homicide With Suicide Loss
  I Served Too: Survivors Who Have or Are Serving in the Military
  Siblings
  Adult Children

• 5:30 p.m. - Family Dinner

*All sessions offered virtually will be live in Central Time Zone and will not be recorded.