Tomorrow Talk: The Courage to Mourn - Emerging Science around Psychedelics & Grief
- Oct 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 3
Thur, May 21
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Tom Tom Foundation, 100 W. South St
As we prepare for the 14th Annual Tom Tom Festival (April 22–26, 2026), whose theme is COURAGE, the Tomorrow Talk series invites us to explore what courage looks like—in our personal lives, our neighborhoods, our communities, and our society.
Grief is one of the most universal human experiences—and yet, for many people, it does not simply fade with time. While grief is often understood as a natural process, for a significant number of individuals it becomes something more enduring and debilitating. Known clinically as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), this condition affects up to 10% of bereaved people and can profoundly disrupt daily functioning, identity, and one’s sense of meaning long after a loss has occurred.
Recent research suggests that substances such as psilocybin and MDMA—used in carefully controlled therapeutic settings—may help people access emotional insight, connection, and meaning in ways that traditional treatments sometimes cannot. These experiences often include feelings of transcendence, unity, and emotional openness, which may be uniquely relevant for those struggling with the existential dimensions of long-term grief. While this research is still in its early stages, preliminary findings point to real promise—and raise important questions about how we understand healing, consciousness, and resilience.
In this Tomorrow Talk, Dr. Kim Penberthy explores what psychedelic science is beginning to reveal about grief that does not resolve—and what new approaches may help. Drawing on decades of clinical work, contemplative research, and emerging evidence from psychedelic-assisted therapy, this conversation will explore: what distinguishes prolonged grief from depression or PTSD and why grief can become “stuck.” and what helps it move again.
Registration is required. Tickets are offered at GA ($30) or Scholarship ($15) prices.
FACILITATORS
Dr. Kim Penberthy
Professor, UVA Division of Perceptual Studies
Jennifer “Kim” Penberthy, Ph.D., ABPP is the Chester F. Carlson Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where she conducts research, teaches, and provides clinical care. She is a board-certified licensed clinical psychologist who has been practicing for over 20 years. Dr. Penberthy provides clinical treatment to patients in Psychiatry and the University of Virginia Cancer Center and also works with healthcare workers at UVA and nationally. She is the Associate Director of the Clinician Wellness Program and is a Fellow of Humanism in Medicine at the University of Virginia. She is President of the American Psychological Association’s Society of Clinical Psychology. She is on the advisory committee for the American Psychological Association Continuing Education Committee and a fellow in the APA Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology.
Founded in 1967 by Dr. Ian Stevenson, the UVA Division of Perceptual Studies (UVA DOPS) is a university-based research group devoted to the investigation of phenomena that challenge mainstream scientific paradigms regarding the nature of human consciousness. DOPS researchers objectively document and carefully analyze data collected regarding extraordinary human experiences. The DOPS core research mission is the rigorous evaluation of empirical evidence for exceptional human experiences and capacities that bear on whether mind and brain are distinct and separable and whether consciousness survives physical death.
In their research, they examine the impact of these experiences on individuals and the general public, explore the implications for scientific theory, and disseminate this information broadly to the public as well as to scientific communities.
Paul Beyer is the founder of the Tom Tom Foundation and Tom Tom Festival, and in his role as executive director, is responsible for its strategic vision and community partnerships. Beyond Tom Tom, Paul works on a variety of gatherings and events ranging from festivals, dance parties, dinner series, meditations, men's groups, conferences, seminars, and concerts.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Tomorrow Talks are a year-long series that picks up critical themes from our April Festival and continues the conversations to create impact in Charlottesville. Each session is facilitated with an emphasis on participation, connection, and new collaborations. Tomorrow Talks begin with a connection exercise or meditation, and proceed into a presentation and breakout activities. They aim to impart knowledge that is practical and relevant to people's lived experience; combining academic or theoretical insights, alongside pragmatic tools, and experiential and somatic learnings.
