Community workshop focuses on finding peace after grief and loss

Free event features sought-after therapists

A free upcoming event will give community members a chance to interact with leading experiential therapists in North Mississippi.

Finding Peace: Accepting Grief and Loss through the Holidays is set for Dec. 4 from 6-8 p.m. at Camp Lake Stephens, 117 Camp Lake Stephens Drive, Oxford, MS.

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The event is part of the 2018 Community Workshop Series offered by Oxford Treatment Center. The center is also offering a separate grief and loss-themed continuing education program for North Mississippi mental health professionals.

In lieu of a fee for events, the Oxford Treatment Center is accepting donations for the Oxford Christmas Store, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oxford-Ole Miss. Donations will be collected at each event. View suggested donations.

The community event will include a camp style dinner and s’mores by the fire followed by guided, interactive presentations in experiential therapy.

At Oxford Treatment Center, experiential therapies are often used with patients and families struggling with grief and loss associated with drug and alcohol addiction, said Brian Whisenant, Community Relations Representative for Oxford Treatment Center.

“It’s a big part of our addiction treatment program and how we work with people,” he said. “We are excited to offer a taste of it to the broader community.”

Whisenant said the idea and timing of the event was informed by members of the community.

“For those in the community facing grief and loss, the holidays are especially hard,” Whisenant said.

The event will allow those struggling with grief and loss to learn about experiential therapy and to explore new avenues for finding peace, Whisenant said.

“People who have dealt with grief and loss oftentimes seek counseling,” Whisenant said. “Experiential therapy adds an entirely new dimension, where you are doing, hands-on, immersive work, while also processing the experience.”

Experiential therapists presenting include:

• Dean Worsham, M.Ed., LPC, LMFT, Oxford Counseling Center
• Meaghan O’Connor, M.Ed., NCC, CCTP, Oxford Treatment Center
• Daniel Winkler, LADAC-c, ACCT II-CCM, CET, Oxford Treatment Center

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Also on Dec. 4, O’Connor, Winkler and Worsham are presenters for “Finding Peace: Accepting Grief and Loss through the Holidays,” a continuing education conference for mental-health professionals offering 5 CE hours. It will take place Tuesday, December 4, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Oxford Outpatient Center, 611 Commerce Parkway off Highway 7 South.

Both of the programs are free but require advance registration:

CE Conference Details & Registration  |

Community Workshop Registration

For more information, contact Brian Whisenant at (662) 701-9653 or wwhisenant@contactaac.com.