Grief is often misunderstood, especially in young adulthood—a time of transition, identity formation, and increasing responsibility. In this 90-minute presentation, Hilary Kinavey, LPC, will explore what grief is, how it shows up beyond death and loss, and why it is a deeply personal and collective experience. With developmentally relevant insights, she will discuss the unique ways grief manifests for college-aged students, including grief related to identity shifts, academic and life pressures, family changes, and the impact of suicidal loss.

This session will offer a compassionate framework for understanding grief, dispelling common myths, and providing practical strategies for navigating it with care. Whether students are experiencing personal loss, supporting a grieving friend, or simply seeking to better understand this universal human experience, this conversation will provide validation, language, and tools for honoring grief in themselves and others.

Presenter Bio: Hilary Kinavey, LPC, is a therapist, educator, and facilitator whose work centers on body liberation, grief, and sustainable practice. She is the co-founder of the Center for Body Trust, co-author of Reclaiming Body Trust: A Path to Healing & Liberation, and the creator of Tending: Accompaniment at the Gates of Grief, a community-centered grief offering. With over two decades of experience, Hilary holds space for the personal, cultural, and professional losses that shape our lives. Her approach acknowledges grief as a natural, nonlinear process—one that deserves time, care, and community.