LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – During November and December this year, Hospice Services of Lake County will present three free workshops on coping during the holidays after the death of a loved one.

The presentations will be facilitated by Kathleen Bradley, LPT and bereavement counselor for Hospice Services of Lake County. Her talks will provide insight into the grief process and tips for coping with feelings of loss during the holidays.

All presentations are open to adults and free of charge.

In Lakeport, the discussion will take place Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Hospice Services of Lake County bereavement center, 1862 Parallel Drive.

In Clearlake, the presentation will be Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, 14295 Lakeshore Drive.

The third presentation will be in Middletown on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at the Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St.

Holidays can bring about difficult times for many who have experienced the death of a loved one.

“If only I can get through the holidays” is often a continued refrain during this season,” said Bradley.

In the roller coaster of grief, holidays are, for many people, a low point.

“Recognizing that the holidays can be painful often helps ease the sense of isolation,” said Bradley. “We can acknowledge that this is a normal reaction to grief. We can make decisions about the best ways to cope, about how, where and with whom we will spend the holidays. Honestly talking over our feelings and plans with family and friends may help us in making decisions.”

For more information and to RSVP, call 707-263-6270, Extension 123 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Also, visit the agency’s Web site, www.lakecountyhospice.org.

Janine Smith-Citron is director of development for Hospice Services of Lake County.