Registration
Date: Wednesday, January 29th, 2025
Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm EST
Cost: $99.00 (CAD) + HST (13%)
If the cost of the workshop is a barrier to you, please contact us.
Dating after your significant other has died can feel weird. It can be vulnerable to admit that you want to meet someone new. It can be scary to put yourself out there knowing what it feels like to lose someone that you're attached to. Not to mention, how do you share your story in a culture where we're encouraged to leave our past-relationships in the past? Your person died. It's not the same thing as a break-up or divorce.
We recognize that there are few places to talk about dating after the death of your significant other. Our goal with this workshop is to create a space that reduces isolation, creates connection through a shared experience, and equips you with some strategies as you explore new possibilities for future partnership.
Themes we will discuss include:
Exploring readiness for dating
Maintaining connection with your significant other who died while meeting new people
Challenging internal narratives about dating
Navigating guilt and shame
Making space for grief while exploring new relationships
Building a strong foundation to limit dating burnout and remain hopeful
Meet the Therapists Facilitating This Workshop
We understand that sometimes it can feel scary to admit that you want to lean into your curiosities about this topic or have a conversation about it.
To minimize some anxiety you might have about joining this workshop, Aly and Ruby have provided a few notes below about the format of the workshop:
1. You don't have to share anything if you don't want to share.
Throughout the workshop there are moments and activities where participants can ask questions or offer reflections. You do not need to share anything in these moments. They are all just invitations.
2. Any and all emotions are welcome.
We are therapists who are honoured to sit with all the big emotions that come with grief. Please don't feel like you need to come to the workshop and hold in your tears or look put together. Joining in your pajamas because they are comfortable, crying when the tears are there, and blowing your nose when necessary are all okay with us.
3. At a minimum, we ask that you participate with your camera on.
The greatest ask that we have for the people attending the workshop is that they join us with their cameras on and that they listen attentively. Not for the sake of us as facilitators, but for the other participants who might courageously share their stories of grief, love, and any concerns or fears they might be facing. Supportive faces looking back at them as they share can offer a lot of comfort and validation.
The content of this workshop is not for professional development. If you are a professional looking for guidance on supporting your clients with this subject matter, please contact one of the facilitators.
The workshop will not be recorded. The facilitators would greatly appreciate if you participated with your camera on.
If the cost of the workshop is a barrier to you, please contact us.
Questions & Answers
I was not married to my significant other and I don’t use widow/widower language. Would I still feel included in this workshop?
Absolutely, we’ve used the language ”significant other” intentionally. If you were in an intimate relationship with the person who died or beginning an intimate relationship with the person who died, you are welcome.
Do I have to be actively dating to participate?
Nope! Anyone who is dating-curious is welcome to participate.
Are we going to talk about sex?
We might talk about sex. Do you want to talk about sex after the death of your significant other? Sex is a part of many intimate relationships. If there is a lot of conversation about sex we might host an entirely separate workshop.
What about kids?
We understand that having bereaved kids can add an extra layer to contemplate when you consider dating. Also, wanting to have children can add pressure to find a new partner as well. We'll have a section of the workshop dedicated to exploring the topic of children.
My significant other and I were broken up/divorced before they died. Would this workshop be okay for me?
We understand that your kind of grief can be incredibly disenfranchised. That being said, the lens we are using in this space will be based on a change in a relationship because of a death. If you are okay with that lens, you are welcome to participate.
Will the workshop be recorded?
No, to protect the privacy of all participants, the workshop will not be recorded. We will provide everyone with a resource document by email after the workshop has ended so you have access to the themes we discuss.
Can I attend with my camera off?
We understand that the subject matter in this workshop is vulnerable but we, as facilitators, are going to do our best to create a brave space for you to share and ask questions. We’re also limiting the number of participants to increase safety. Being able to see your face would help contribute to that brave space. If you would feel more comfortable using an alias instead of your real name, you are welcome to do so.
If you have any other questions, we would be happy to answer them. Contact Aly (aly@awcgrief.com) or Ruby (ruby@awcgrief.com) and we'll get back to you asap.