Ayana Thomas

Ayana Thomas serves as the visionary driving Grieving Back to Life, she's dedicated to personal development and empowerment, of women with a particular emphasis on women affected by the criminal legal system struggling with grief, trauma, and adversity. Acknowledging the heavy burden these women bear, both prior to and after their encounters with the justice system, Ayana is committed to aiding them in overcoming their past challenges and discovering a renewed sense of purpose.

As a grief advocate and counselor, she comprehends the profound and transformative impact of grief, capable of fundamentally reshaping an individual's identity. Operating out of the NY/NJ tri-state area, Ayana conducts her work primarily online.

Her mission is to spotlight the ongoing collective grief experienced by women impacted by the criminal legal system and emphasize the profound nature of their encounters and the resulting grief. Ayana founded GBTL to cultivate a community where grieving women can not only cope but thrive.

Ayana advocates for a shift in our discussions about grief, urging us to view it not as a problem to be solved but as an integral aspect of the human experience. She is available for workshops and keynote speaking engagements, sharing her inspiring journey of triumph over adversity.

In her perspective, life's challenges have contributed to her strength, resilience, and perseverance. Ayana firmly believes that she is not defined by her past but is instead an extraordinary embodiment of perfect imperfection.

Navigating grief can be challenging, but Ayana Thomas is here to emphasize that Grief is hard, but finding help doesn't have to be.

• NY Times - Women Inmates: Why the Male Model Doesn’t Work
• The Best Way to Support a Griever 2023
• ‍We Are Witness” 2015 The New Yorker Magazine
• “Teen Vogue” (Marshal Project) with Senator Corey Booker 2017
• National Free Her Conference
• LOHM

• Life Coach/ Grief and Bereavement Coach
• Borough of Brooklyn City of New York Citation Eric Adams 2018

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Women & Grief Support Group Presentaion

"Women and Grief" is a dedicated support group designed to empower and assist women in navigating various types of grief while fostering coping mechanisms. The group serves as a safe and understanding space where women can share their experiences, challenges, and emotions related to grief, recognizing that grief extends beyond the loss of a loved one to encompass various life changes and challenges.

The primary objectives of the group include:

Empowerment:

Empower women to confront and navigate the complexities of grief, fostering a sense of strength and resilience.
Coping Strategies:

Provide a platform for sharing and developing effective coping strategies tailored to the diverse nature of grief experiences.
Safe and Supportive Environment:

Establish a supportive and non-judgmental environment where women feel comfortable expressing their grief, emotions, and concerns.

Diverse Grief Experiences: Acknowledge and address the various forms of grief, such as the loss of a loved one

Grief Circle of Healing

90 minutes

(View workshop agenda)

Creating a Safe Space:

Healing Hearts

2 hours

(View workshop agenda)

This workshop is designed to help individuals understand and navigate the complex emotions that accompany grief. It provides practical tools and compassionate support to aid in the healing process. **Key Components:**

1. **Understanding Grief:** - Introduction to the stages of grief and the varied ways people experience it. - Exploration of common misconceptions and myths about grief.
2. **Personal Reflection:** - Activities for personal reflection, including guided journaling and memory sharing. - Techniques to honor and remember loved ones in meaningful ways.
3. **Emotional Resilience:** - Strategies to build emotional resilience and cope with intense feelings. - Mindfulness exercises to stay present and manage anxiety.
4. **Support Systems:** - Importance of building and leaning on support networks.

Embracing the Waves

2 hours

(View workshop agenda)

This workshop provides a safe and supportive space for participants to explore their grief and begin the healing process. Through guided activities and discussions, attendees will learn to embrace the emotions that come with loss and find ways to move forward with hope and resilience. **Key Components:**

1. **Understanding Grief:** - Exploring the different stages and types of grief. - Recognizing the individual nature of the grieving process.
2. **Emotional Expression:** - Guided journaling and art therapy sessions to express emotions. - Group discussions to share experiences and gain support.
3. **Coping Strategies:** - Learning mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage grief-related stress. - Developing personalized coping mechanisms to navigate daily life.
4. **Building a Support Network:** - Connecting with others who have experienced loss. - Creating a network of support and understanding.
5. **Pathways to Healing:** - Identifying steps to rebuild and find purpose after loss. - Encouraging self-care and self-compassion during the healing journey

• Grubhub
• The National Counsel
• Women's Groups
• The National Counsel
• Osborne Association