Grief alters not only thoughts and emotions but nervous system regulation and physiological safety. This webinar examines bereavement through neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and the Window of Tolerance, integrating contemporary grief models with somatic, regulation-informed strategies. Participants will explore how loss is embodied, why verbal interventions alone may be insufficient, and how to ethically incorporate body-aware approaches into bereavement care. Cultural and systemic considerations will be addressed, emphasizing non-pathologizing, inclusive support. Designed for grief counselors and allied professionals, this session provides research-informed tools to enhance safety, meaning-making, and resilience in bereavement support.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how bereavement affects nervous system regulation using polyvagal and Window of Tolerance frameworks.
2. Explain the clinical rationale for integrating somatic approaches into grief counseling and education.
3. Identify at least two regulation-informed, body-based strategies that can be ethically applied within professional scope of practice.

About the Presenters:

Amy Pickett-Williams, MSW, LCSW, RYT is the founder and visionary leader of LIGHT Movement (Love In Grief, Held Together), a nonprofit organization advancing somatic, accessible, and evidence-informed grief education and support worldwide. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Amy specializes in traumatic grief, death of a child, life-threatening illness, identity loss, and the intersection of grief, burnout, and nervous system regulation. A national and international presenter, Amy has shared her work at conferences including the American Psychological Association (APA), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), and Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA), among others. Through LIGHT Movement, she conceptualized and helped develop a comprehensive professional training pathway that includes the Advanced Certificate in Traumatic Grief & Nervous System Regulation (30 CE hours) and a Trauma- and Grief-Informed Yoga Teacher Training (YTT). These programs integrate neuroscience, polyvagal theory, the Window of Tolerance, and ethical, regulation-based practices to equip professionals across disciplines with embodied, non-pathologizing approaches to grief care. She is the author of the forthcoming book Embodying Grief: Somatic and Polyvagal Practices for Finding Peace after Loss (New Harbinger Publications), advancing a body-based framework for safety, connection, and meaning-making after loss. Amy’s work is rooted in a justice-informed commitment to ensuring that grief is understood not as a disorder to fix, but as a human experience to be supported with dignity, science, and compassion.

Katie Mattei, PsyD is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience specializing in trauma, burn injuries, child loss, child development, and adolescent mental health. She studied Infant Attachment at Columbia University and earned her Doctorate from the University of Denver. As a medical staff provider at Children’s Hospital Colorado, she also maintains a private practice in Denver and consults for local schools. A sought-after national speaker, she presents on grief, development, and burn injury prevention. Her book, An Ocean of Grief, offers guidance to parents coping with child loss. Over the past decade, Dr. Mattei has deepened her focus on somatic healing, burnout prevention, and trauma recovery, particularly for healthcare providers and first responders. She integrates evidence-based techniques to strengthen the mind-body connection, reduce stress, and build resilience in high-pressure professions. Recognizing the toll of caregiving roles, she is passionate about equipping professionals with practical, sustainable strategies that support both patient care and personal well-being.