Grief and loss in marriage workshop
Grief and loss can quietly pull a couple apart, even when both partners are grieving the same loss. This workshop helps couples understand why they may grieve differently and how to stay connected through challenging and stressful seasons. It is led by Barry and Dr Paula Davis of Connecting Matters.
What the workshop covers
Loss comes in many forms: the death of someone close, illness, miscarriage, separation from family and country, or the slow loss of hopes and dreams. Each partner may respond in very different ways. The workshop explores:
– how grief and loss affect a couple relationship
– gender differences in grieving and emotional reactions, and how to avoid misreading each other
– why some people find it hard to cry or to talk about loss
– practical strategies for maintaining connection during challenging and stressful situations
– making room for lament, hope and faith in a grieving season
Who it is for
The workshop is suitable for married couples, church and ministry groups, and counsellors, pastors and people-helpers who walk alongside grieving couples. Sessions can be customised to meet the needs of your group or organisation.
Who leads the workshop
Dr Paula Davis is a clinical counsellor, supervisor and lecturer in counselling, with decades of experience walking alongside people through trauma, grief and loss. Barry brings a background in theology, pastoring and church planting. Married for more than five decades, Barry and Paula share honestly from their own experience. Read more about Barry and Paula.
Further reading and viewing
Watch “I’m Not Strong Enough to Cry”: A Conversation on Grief, and read Tears That Open the Heart and Time Does Not Heal All Wounds.
Grief workshop FAQs
Is this workshop grief counselling?
No. The workshop is educational and enrichment-focused, and it is not a substitute for grief counselling. If you are struggling to cope, please speak with your GP or a qualified counsellor. In a crisis in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Why do couples grieve differently?
Partners often bring different personalities, family backgrounds and ways of expressing emotion to a loss. One may want to talk while the other needs to stay busy or be alone. The workshop looks at these differences, including gender differences in grieving, so couples can understand each other rather than drift apart.
Can you run this workshop for our church or organisation?
Yes. We run workshops with host churches and organisations and can customise sessions to your group. Contact us to discuss dates, location and format.
Bring this workshop to your group
Tell us about your church, ministry or organisation and we will talk with you about a format that fits.
Enquire about this workshop