Understanding Grief Seminar

Grief touches every life — yet so many of us feel unprepared for its impact. Understanding its complex nature is a great starting point...

Join us for our 'Understanding Grief' Seminar hosted by our experienced mental health team and supported by diverse, engaging and knowledgeable speakers. Whether you are personally navigating loss, supporting someone who is grieving, or working in a professional role where grief is present, this one-day seminar offers education and understanding of grief processes, strategies for coping and self-care, stories of lived experience which foster hope and encouragement plus compassionate support staff in a safe environment. (See below for more information about our individual speakers).

Who Should Attend?

• Individuals experiencing loss

• Family members and friends supporting someone grieving

• Health professionals, teachers, first responders and support workers

• Anyone wanting a deeper understanding of grief

Ticket includes: morning tea, lunch, refreshments and resources

Free parking is available at the rear of the centre and is recommended as the best option.

Follow the flag at the gate and the parking attendants will direct you.

Meet Our Speakers...

Dr. Jo Lammersma OAM, MBBS, FRANZCP

Retired Psychiatrist | New Mornings Volunteer

Dr. Jo is a retired psychiatrist who moved to Ulverstone from Adelaide in 2021. She worked as a consultant psychiatrist at Hillcrest Hospital before entering private practice as a General Adult Psychiatrist. Jo was awarded an OAM in 2024 for her outstanding service to the community through a range of roles. She has a particular interest in managing mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

She has held numerous leadership roles with the RANZCP, including Chair of the SA Branch Committee, General Councillor and Honorary Secretary, and was awarded the RANZCP Medal of Honour in 2009. Dr Lammersma has long been involved with mental health consumer and carer organisations, including as patron of the Mood Disorder Association and life member of Skylight. 

For over 30 years she served on the Warrina Homes Board, including several years as Chair, supporting the provision of Christian-centred aged care. Since 2024, she has volunteered with New Mornings, assisting with pre-group assessments and co-facilitation of grief support groups. Since retiring Dr. Jo enjoys daily walks, reading, crafting and traveling with her husband.

Dr. Jo's presentation titled: 'No such thing as Typical Grief : The many facets of grief ' will explore different models of grief, guiding you through key theoretical frameworks that have shaped an understanding of grief over time such as:

• The well-known Kübler-Ross Five Stages of Grief

• The Dual Processing Model

• Lois Tonkin’s “Growing Around Grief” model

Rather than presenting grief as a rigid process, Dr. Jo will explore how these models help us normalise the complex and often unpredictable emotions that accompany loss. Her session provides a strong foundation for understanding grief.

Caroline Macleod

Clinical Psychologist

Caroline is a clinical psychologist based on the North-West Coast of Tas. with a background in neuroscience research, and experience across a range of health settings, including hospital and outpatient services. Her work focuses on helping adults understand how the brain and nervous system respond to stress, loss, and change.

She has a particular interest in the intersection of mental and physical health, and in supporting people as they adjust to illness, functional change, and major life events, including grief. Caroline brings a compassionate, evidence-informed approach to this work.  She uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including mindfulness-based interventions, EMDR, Schema Therapy, along with other cognitive and somatic therapies.  

Outside of her clinical work, Caroline finds mindful moments in activities as varied as her work itself. You are just as likely to find her out on her motorbike as you are preserving produce from her garden. It's not unusual for her to greet a dog before its owner!

Caroline's presentation 'The grieving brain' will cover:

• The neuroscience of grief — how loss impacts memory, emotion, and attachment

• Why grief can feel disorienting and difficult to “make sense of”

• The role of the nervous system in grief responses

• Mindfulness and other evidence-based strategies that support healing and emotional regulation

This session blends science with practical tools, offering hope and understanding through research-backed approaches.

Tanya Stephensen

Grief & Loss Specialist | LiFE Award Nominee 2026

Tanya Stephenson, is a Grief and Loss Specialist with extensive experience supporting individuals and groups through various forms of grief and loss. Drawing from her personal journey and professional practice, Tanya shares insights into the challenges of grief recovery and offers practical strategies that have proven effective. After a significant career shift post-COVID, she now operates her own business, IT’S HOPE – Grief Recovery, providing both in-person and online services for the past 15 years.

Tanya's additional roles include afterhours supervision of the National 'StandBy' After Hours Telephone Service, supporting those bereaved by suicide. She also volunteers with Albie House’s Suicide Bereavement Group and serves on the board of Men’s Resources Tasmania, focusing on mentoring and rehabilitation for individuals at risk of re-entering the correctional system after release. Her background includes co-facilitating programs for families affected by addiction and destructive behaviours. Tanya is passionate about her family, work, and community, and holds credentials from The Grief Recovery Institute, The Life Coaching College, and Deakin University. Tanya's relaxation pastimes include spending time with family & friends, reading, and indulgent fine dining experiences.

Her session is titled 'Bridging the Divide' A journey integrating personal experience and professional practice through grief.

Providing:

• personal lived experience of grief and the impact this has had on her career

• an overview of common challenges seen in grief recovery and strategies that have proved useful. 

Tanya’s compassionate and grounded approach offers both encouragement and realistic pathways forward for those navigating loss.

Andrew Blake

Former Chaplain & Youth Worker | New Mornings Volunteer

Andrew is based on the North-West Coast of Tas. and has recently become a volunteer with New Mornings, assisting with the Men Moving Forward program, which supports males after experiencing grief and loss. Andrew initially began a career in the trade industry (which he has recently returned to), before feeling the call to move into both school chaplaincy and youth work. Andrew is married with 2 children and enjoys both mountain biking and motor biking. Andrew is an engaging presenter who will bravely share his personal story of loss. We look forward to hearing a male perspective, which is an often an under-represented voice in conversations about loss.

Andrew's session titled 'A New Spotify Playlist' will reflect on:

• What grief looked like in his own life

• The unique challenges men may face when expressing and processing grief

• The role of community, faith, and connection in healing

Andrew’s honest and relatable story brings depth and authenticity.

Q & A Panel

The seminar concludes with a panel discussion and Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, deepen your understanding, and hear diverse perspectives from all speakers.