Navigating Grief & Depression Over The Holidays with Dr. Laura Walzak

$25.00
Description

Navigating Grief & Depression During the Holidays

Making space for grief, finding support through depression, and navigating the holidays with compassion.


The holiday season can be a challenging time for those experiencing grief, loss, loneliness, or depression. While the holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, the reality can feel very different when you are navigating emotional pain, missing loved ones, or struggling with your mental health.

This virtual course offers a compassionate, supportive space to explore the emotional challenges that can arise during the holiday season. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to better understand and manage grief and depression, navigate holiday expectations and triggers, and prioritize their emotional well-being. Through guided discussions, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies, participants will explore ways to honour their feelings, create meaningful traditions, establish healthy boundaries, and find moments of comfort and connection during a difficult time.


Topics covered include:

  • Understanding grief, loss, and depression during the holiday season.
  • Recognizing common emotional triggers and managing difficult feelings.
  • Coping with loneliness, isolation, and changes in family dynamics.
  • Navigating holiday expectations, traditions, and social pressures.
  • Developing healthy boundaries and communicating emotional needs.
  • Building practical coping strategies and self-care routines.
  • Finding ways to honour loved ones while creating new holiday traditions.
  • Identifying sources of support, connection, and hope.


Our Approach

You do not have to feel cheerful, pretend everything is okay, or navigate the holidays alone. This course emphasizes compassion, understanding, and practical support, recognizing that there is no right or wrong way to experience the holiday season.


Participants will leave with greater insight into their emotional experiences and practical strategies to help them move through the holidays with increased self-compassion, resilience, and support.


Who Should Attend?
This course is for anyone who anticipates the holiday season may be emotionally difficult due to bereavement, significant life changes, loneliness, depression, or other personal challenges. Whether your grief is recent or longstanding, you are welcome.


What You’ll Receive:

  • 2 Live 60 min Zoom sessions 
  • Post- session resources 
     

Workshop Overview:

  • Part 1: December 7th, 2026 @ 7pm

  • Part 2: December 14th , 2026 @ 7pm


Starts - December 7th, 2026, 7:00 - 8:00pm

Cost: $25


*Please note that the clinic will not be providing refunds after the program starts.

Registration deadline: December 3rd, 2026.

About the Facilitator:

Dr. Laura Walzak holds a doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology from Simon Fraser University and is currently obtaining licensure as a registered clinical psychologist in BC. She completed her residency at Vancouver Coastal Health (CPA-accredited) and has experience in a variety of medical psychology settings including pre/post surgical assessment, oncology, concussion and brain injury recovery, and chronic disease management. She now serves as a clinician providing trauma-informed psychological services to veterans and RCMP members at the BC Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic.

Dr. Walzak brings a unique blend of experience to the team through her specialized training in Neuropsychology and background in the assessment and treatment of trauma disorders. She has a deep appreciation for the experiences and resilience of her clients and feels honoured to work with them on their health journeys. Outside of work Laura enjoys connecting with nature, trying to cook the latest viral recipe, and keeping busy chasing after her two sons.