Bereavement Professional

Hello!

We are looking at the possibility of having a hybrid model for one of our groups. So far, we have had a mix of some virtual only groups, and some in person opportunities.

Has anyone successfully run a hybrid bereavement group? Any tips on the technology used or general group design methods in order to ensure all feel equally able to participate and hear one another?

Thank you!

------------------------------
Bianca Staudt
Bereavement Clinician
Home Health & Hospice Care
Merrimack, NH
------------------------------

Hi Bianca. This is a great question. We went from of course mostly in-person to totally virtual like most during the pandemic. About a year ago we shifted to hybrid formats and they have been pretty successful. We provided a CHAT on this topic a few months ago.... " New Normal of In-Person and Virtual Services and Programming- Hybrid Model of the Future". Please feel free to check out the presentation and slides. I think there may be some helpful tips. But we have found using a room that has a large screen works best- VTC technology, and having that balance as a facilitator of keeping the virtual attendees engaged. We also discussed the variation of what virtual can be. For example, alternating- 2 groups per month- one virtual, one in person.. Wish you the best as you navigate this new norm.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2022 09:49 AM
From: Bianca Staudt
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

Hello!

We are looking at the possibility of having a hybrid model for one of our groups. So far, we have had a mix of some virtual only groups, and some in person opportunities.

Has anyone successfully run a hybrid bereavement group? Any tips on the technology used or general group design methods in order to ensure all feel equally able to participate and hear one another?

Thank you!

------------------------------
Bianca Staudt
Bereavement Clinician
Home Health & Hospice Care
Merrimack, NH
------------------------------

Thank you Karen! Yes, that chat was a great starting point, we will revisit this resource as well. This is certainly helpful in thinking about the possibilities - may we ask how folks have received the simultaneous format? I imagine the facilitation skills and thoughtfulness is the key to success here! It is helpful to hear from those who have been doing it for some time, thank you

------------------------------
Bianca Staudt
Bereavement Clinician
Home Health & Hospice Care
Merrimack, NH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2022 09:45 AM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

Hi Bianca. This is a great question. We went from of course mostly in-person to totally virtual like most during the pandemic. About a year ago we shifted to hybrid formats and they have been pretty successful. We provided a CHAT on this topic a few months ago.... " New Normal of In-Person and Virtual Services and Programming- Hybrid Model of the Future". Please feel free to check out the presentation and slides. I think there may be some helpful tips. But we have found using a room that has a large screen works best- VTC technology, and having that balance as a facilitator of keeping the virtual attendees engaged. We also discussed the variation of what virtual can be. For example, alternating- 2 groups per month- one virtual, one in person.. Wish you the best as you navigate this new norm.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2022 09:49 AM
From: Bianca Staudt
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

Hello!

We are looking at the possibility of having a hybrid model for one of our groups. So far, we have had a mix of some virtual only groups, and some in person opportunities.

Has anyone successfully run a hybrid bereavement group? Any tips on the technology used or general group design methods in order to ensure all feel equally able to participate and hear one another?

Thank you!

------------------------------
Bianca Staudt
Bereavement Clinician
Home Health & Hospice Care
Merrimack, NH
------------------------------

It has been well received. Not without its challenges but you are correct, the facilitators are learning to successfully navigate the conversation to keep all engaged. I think the key is probably adding some questions related to hybrid format to the evaluation also.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2022 09:34 AM
From: Bianca Staudt
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

Thank you Karen! Yes, that chat was a great starting point, we will revisit this resource as well. This is certainly helpful in thinking about the possibilities - may we ask how folks have received the simultaneous format? I imagine the facilitation skills and thoughtfulness is the key to success here! It is helpful to hear from those who have been doing it for some time, thank you

------------------------------
Bianca Staudt
Bereavement Clinician
Home Health & Hospice Care
Merrimack, NH

Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2022 09:45 AM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

Hi Bianca. This is a great question. We went from of course mostly in-person to totally virtual like most during the pandemic. About a year ago we shifted to hybrid formats and they have been pretty successful. We provided a CHAT on this topic a few months ago.... " New Normal of In-Person and Virtual Services and Programming- Hybrid Model of the Future". Please feel free to check out the presentation and slides. I think there may be some helpful tips. But we have found using a room that has a large screen works best- VTC technology, and having that balance as a facilitator of keeping the virtual attendees engaged. We also discussed the variation of what virtual can be. For example, alternating- 2 groups per month- one virtual, one in person.. Wish you the best as you navigate this new norm.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2022 09:49 AM
From: Bianca Staudt
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

Hello!

We are looking at the possibility of having a hybrid model for one of our groups. So far, we have had a mix of some virtual only groups, and some in person opportunities.

Has anyone successfully run a hybrid bereavement group? Any tips on the technology used or general group design methods in order to ensure all feel equally able to participate and hear one another?

Thank you!

------------------------------
Bianca Staudt
Bereavement Clinician
Home Health & Hospice Care
Merrimack, NH
------------------------------

Thank you so much for sharing, Karen! :)

------------------------------
Bianca Staudt
Bereavement Clinician
Home Health & Hospice Care
Merrimack, NH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2022 09:07 AM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

It has been well received. Not without its challenges but you are correct, the facilitators are learning to successfully navigate the conversation to keep all engaged. I think the key is probably adding some questions related to hybrid format to the evaluation also.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community

Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2022 09:34 AM
From: Bianca Staudt
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

Thank you Karen! Yes, that chat was a great starting point, we will revisit this resource as well. This is certainly helpful in thinking about the possibilities - may we ask how folks have received the simultaneous format? I imagine the facilitation skills and thoughtfulness is the key to success here! It is helpful to hear from those who have been doing it for some time, thank you

------------------------------
Bianca Staudt
Bereavement Clinician
Home Health & Hospice Care
Merrimack, NH

Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2022 09:45 AM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

Hi Bianca. This is a great question. We went from of course mostly in-person to totally virtual like most during the pandemic. About a year ago we shifted to hybrid formats and they have been pretty successful. We provided a CHAT on this topic a few months ago.... " New Normal of In-Person and Virtual Services and Programming- Hybrid Model of the Future". Please feel free to check out the presentation and slides. I think there may be some helpful tips. But we have found using a room that has a large screen works best- VTC technology, and having that balance as a facilitator of keeping the virtual attendees engaged. We also discussed the variation of what virtual can be. For example, alternating- 2 groups per month- one virtual, one in person.. Wish you the best as you navigate this new norm.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2022 09:49 AM
From: Bianca Staudt
Subject: Hybrid Bereavement Groups

Hello!

We are looking at the possibility of having a hybrid model for one of our groups. So far, we have had a mix of some virtual only groups, and some in person opportunities.

Has anyone successfully run a hybrid bereavement group? Any tips on the technology used or general group design methods in order to ensure all feel equally able to participate and hear one another?

Thank you!

------------------------------
Bianca Staudt
Bereavement Clinician
Home Health & Hospice Care
Merrimack, NH
------------------------------