Events & Courses
Barbara is a sought after key note speaker for hospice/palliative care conferences. She has also spoken at public events and presented workshops for palliative team members including social workers, doctors and nursing staff within the health authority.
Death is one of the most feared topics and is often enveloped in high emotion. Barbara frames her talks with key educational information and uses story to speak to the heart and humanity of those in the audience. She takes participants into the exploration of this life transition gently and safely. Not only to lessen the fear but to give tools as to better handle the emotion at hand.
She is available for half or full day workshop presentations, conference venues and talks. A sampling of some of the themes she covers can be seen below along with testimonials from workshop participants.
For the most recent information of upcoming events please go to the
In Autumn's Cocoon Facebook page:
You are also welcome to send her a message through the contact section of this website.
Softening Death, Dying and Grief
Bringing Comfort to Challenging Times
A series of five workshops
In this unique series of workshops, Barbara Morningstar will draw on her years of professional hospice experience and guide you in an exploration of the main themes that are faced during the transition to the end of physical life. The series will help participants who are experiencing fear and uncertainty about the dying process, losing a loved one, or grief to being informed, prepared and the fear softened. A greater awareness will emerge resulting in a deeper strength to not only face, but embrace, this tender life transition.
You can register for the entire series of five workshops for $145 CAD or individual workshops for $40 CAD.
The final deadline for full series registration with discount is March 26th, 2021.
The series begins on Saturday, March 27th at 10 am PST
(and will continue on each following Saturday morning ending April 24th, 2021)
The Entire Workshop Series
Individual Workshops
You can also register for any individual workshop of interest for $40 CAD (see below)
- Apr. 17, 10:00 a.m. PDTLive Online Zoom Workshop
- Apr. 24, 10:00 a.m. PDTLive Online Zoom Workshop
- Apr. 10, 10:00 a.m. PDTLive Online Zoom Workshop
- Apr. 03, 10:00 a.m. PDTLive Online Zoom Workshop
- Mar. 27, 10:00 a.m. PDTLive Online Zoom Workshop
Testimonials
“The workshop that Barbara gave is inspirational. She can talk to you at a such a profound level. I could not keep my eyes off of her and what she was saying – It was such a wonderful learning curve. Would recommend her workshop to everyone who works with people who are affected by grief, suffering and loss.” Hanneke E.
“Barbara shared in a beautiful way her experiences about working with the many people approaching end of life and crossing the threshold. She focuses and listens to the person she is with, with openness and a peaceful heart, totally attentive to what they want to share with her. She teaches deepening understanding and caring through her many wonderful stories. Thank you very much, Barbara.” Anonymous
“Barbara Morningstar teaches with love and compassion. Her insights and sharing of stories touched me so profoundly, opened my mind and heart to greater possibilities for both my professional and personal lives. Thank you." Karen B.
“Barbara’s workshop has helped me to better understand the grieving process and how to become a better help for those dealing with loss. She gives you up to date professional information speaking to your mind but also your heart. Her message will stay with you.” Sylvia B.
“Barb was very authentic in sharing not only her own personal experience with death’s journey but in sharing her 20 plus years of hospice and palliative care in hospitals and care centres. She has a deep, kind understanding of the different aspects of not only the patient’s experience but also of friends and family of the patient. Thank you for your insights and sharing to help those of us that care for others so that we can be more educated and powerful.” Carrie L.
Highlights of Past Events
- Sat., Nov. 09Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & ConferPlease join me at the Vancouver Island Federation of Hospices conference in Parksville, BC on Nov. 9th. I am the morning plenary speaker and have been asked to speak of "The Gifts and Challenges of Serving Others in Hospice/Palliative Care".
- Wed., Aug. 14OnlineA Six Week On-Line Course Exploring End of Life topics including how to companion the dying, provide support to caregivers, the role of a good team, basic tenants of grief, and an exploration of the mystery of death.
- Sat., May 26Radisson Hotel Vancouver AirportBarbara has been invited to present her workshop 'Can You Feel the Pain in My Heart Too?' at the upcoming BC Hospice Palliative Care Conference in Vancouver. Participants will explore the needs of caregivers to the dying and better ways support them and their family members.
- Mon., Feb. 12Valley View Funeral HomeThis talk explores the mystery of death and the changing awareness of the dying. Visual, kinaesthetic, auditory experiences, changing language and dreams of the dying and bereaved will be discussed.
- Wed., Jan. 24Valley View Funeral HomeCaregivers to the dying are often misunderstood. This talk explores the needs of those in this very demanding role along with better ways to offer support.