Overview

Helping psychologists explore their own values around death and support clients to do the same.

Death is something we all face, but how often do we really talk about it? As psychologists, we sit with people through some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Yet, conversations about death and dying can still feel uncertain, confronting, or even taboo.

This gentle, open-hearted session with Dr Frances D’Arcy-Tehan is designed to help you reflect on your own beliefs, values, and hopes about death; so that you can feel more confident and compassionate when these topics come up in with clients.

• Prompted by Dying to Know Day’s 2025 theme “Nobody Knows”
• Featuring the launch of Tender’s Funerals Notebook — a free online planning tool
• An opportunity to reflect, connect and prepare, because avoiding death doesn't make it easier, but talking about it might

Note:  Preceding the PD will be the brief formality of our AGM.

Schedule:

Running times are approximate.

• 6:00pm - Registrations begin offering time to grab a drink and network with colleagues.
• 6:30pm -The Barwon Branch AGM Meeting will be conducted while share plates of food are served.
• 7:00pm- Talking Death- Workshop with Dr Frances D'Arcy-Tehan
• 8:00pm- Share plates of food are served while networking with colleagues.
• 8:30pm- 9:00pm – Finish

**Please bring along your tablet/laptop to use for the on the night to explore the online planning tool and use for personal reflection

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• Explore own beliefs about what really matters to you when it comes to death, dying and what you leave behind
• How to open up honest, meaningful conversations about end-of-life with clients and loved ones
• Reflecting on life goals and legacies — your own, and those of the people you support
• How to empower clients to make informed choices about their dying, death and funeral

Presenter(s)

About the presenter(s)

Dr. Frances D'Arcy-Tehan is a well-known and respected psychologist in the Barwon region.

Dr Fran provides counselling and guidance to those navigating the complex emotions and challenges associated with bereavement. Dr Fran’s extensive experience spanning 25 years equips her with the multifaceted nature of grief and loss. Bereavement reactions vary depending on the nature and circumstances of the loss, an individual’s support system, their culture, their religion, and their overall beliefs and assumptions. For some individuals pre-existing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression may also impact how someone expresses their grief.

Dr. Fran’s role as a Community Activator for www.tenderfuneralsgeelong.com.au indeed underscores her dedication to supporting individuals and families beyond traditional clinical settings. By engaging with the community in this way, Dr Fran contributes to destigmatizing discussions around death and bereavement, while also providing invaluable assistance to those in need during times of profound loss.

Notes

Registration includes An opportunity to network, connect and celebrate with other psychologists and allied health professionals within the Barwon region

An introduction to 'Tender’s Funerals Notebook', a free online planning tool to assist and prompt discussions with clients

Delicious South American savoury food shared throughout the night - Please note: Drink at bar prices.

The Workshop and AGM will include time for networking with colleagues.

Target Audience

This event is aimed at psychologists and other allied health professionals working with clients to reflect, plan, and talk about death and dying.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.