Permission to Grieve: A Guide to Coping with Uncomfortable Feelings in Native Contexts

This 2-hour virtual training addresses grief, loss, and complex emotions in Native communities — and in the lives of helpers themselves — in the context of ongoing trauma, overdose deaths, and substance use. It blends Indigenous trauma science, grief practices, and Western neuroscience (including the window of tolerance and nervous system responses), with a focus on both provider wellness and practical skills.

Participants will explore the difference between trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches, and will leave with concrete co-regulation tools and grief-aware practices for use in their work with Native communities in Nevada, including conversations about opioid use, treatment, and recovery. The session awards 2 CEUs and is approved for continuing education by the boards listed on the organizer's website.

The training is intended for behavioral health providers, healthcare providers, peer support specialists, community health workers, and others working with tribal communities in Nevada, with particular relevance for rural and tribal partners.

The session takes place in Zoom meeting format; participants will have camera and audio access, though neither is required. It is presented by Casandra (Cas) Stouder, ORN Consultant, Tribal Southwest (Region 9), Diné (Navajo) & Seminole. Funding was provided in whole or in part by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director's Office through the Fund for a Resilient Nevada, established in Nevada Revised Statutes 433.712 through 433.744.