Porto to host European Grief Conference 2026

Experts are highlighting the importance of providing long-term emotional support for those experiencing grief, emphasizing that mourning does not follow a fixed timeline. The Portuguese Society of Emotionally Focused Therapy suggests that instead of using dismissive phrases like ‘move on’ or ‘be strong,’ supporters should offer presence, silence, and non-judgmental listening.

Discussions regarding the management of grief also touch upon how modern society handles death with children. While historical contexts allowed for more direct exposure to the cycle of life, contemporary practices often shield children from the reality of death, creating a paradox where death is ubiquitous in media but treated as a taboo in real-life settings.

The European Grief Conference 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 11 at the Super Bock Arena in Porto, focusing on these delicate themes of loss and emotional accompaniment.