Amy Florian Presentation
Amy Florian is a nationally recognized speaker and teacher who uses her personal experience, advanced education, and knowledge from over 35 years of parish liturgy, support group, and bereavement ministries for her engaging and dynamic presentations. Amy holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies and she is a Fellow in Thanatology (the highest level of certification in the field of death and grief studies). She was the executive director of a non-profit organization dedicated to suffering people for 5 years. She taught in the graduate ministry department of Loyola University in Chicago for almost 10 years. She founded a company that teaches professionals how to serve people in times of transition and loss. The winner of multiple awards for her work, she published over 250 articles and four books, and has a passion for helping people heal, explore their faith, and live fully.
Title: The Ministry of Presence: More Effectively Walk Others through Grief and Loss
Description: When someone you work with, worship alongside, or care about experiences the death of a loved one, divorce, a serious diagnosis, suicide, aging, or another life-changing loss, do you ever find yourself at a loss for words—wanting to help but unsure what to say or do? Too often, we rely on well-intentioned clichés or avoid the conversation altogether, unintentionally leaving those who are hurting feeling more alone. The good news is that compassionate support is a skill that can be learned.
In this practical and engaging presentation, you'll gain a deeper understanding of grief—what people commonly experience, what is normal, and why grief looks different for everyone. You'll also learn evidence-based, compassionate strategies for responding with confidence: what to say, what not to say, what to do, and how to be a steady, comforting presence during life's most difficult seasons, as well as how to care for yourself so you don't become depleted. Whether you're supporting family members, friends, parishioners, neighbors, or colleagues, you'll leave equipped to offer the kind of care that truly helps when it matters most.