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Maggie Yowell Wilson, PhD, is a 2026 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision, Antioch University, Seattle.

Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Chair

Stephen Southern, EdD, Committee Member

Virginia Nell Shropshire, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

bereavement, grief, grief ritual, ritual, tender of grief ritual, qualitative, thematic analysis

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to gain an understanding of the lived experience of tenders of community grief rituals, and how tenders make meaning of their experiences. This study utilized photo elicitation and a reflexive thematic analysis. Participants (N = 11) provided one to three photographs that captured their experience of grief and/or tending grief rituals. The results identified 10 themes supported by subthemes: (a) Grief Tender Wisdom About the Nature of Grief, (b) Life’s Many Experiences are Sources of Grief, (c) The Multifaceted Impacts of Grief-Body, Anger, Compassion, Empathy, Resilience, Gratitude, Joy, and Love, (d) The Nuances of Grief Work from Grief Tenders, (e) Honoring Lineage of Grief Ritual, (f) Powerful Components of Grief Rituals, (g) Grief Ritual Takes on Varied Forms, (h) The Creative Arts are a Tool for Grief Ritual, (i) Grief Ritual Impacts Both the Tenders and the Participants, and (j) Training in Grief and Grief Ritual. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Maggie Yowell Wilson, PhD, JD, LMHC, CMHS, GMHS, RDT/BCT, REAT
ORC ID 0009-0003-0097-8148


Dr. Maggie Yowell Wilson is a licensed mental health counselor, counselor educator, clinical
supervisor, child mental health specialist, geriatric mental health specialist, registered drama
therapist/board-certified trainer, registered expressive arts therapist, behavioral health researcher,
and consultant. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Southern Methodist University, a
Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, a Master's degree in
clinical mental health counseling and drama therapy from Antioch University, and a Ph.D in
Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University.


Dr. Yowell Wilson is the owner of Owl’s Well Counseling, LLC, a private practice dedicated to
working with all ages through counseling, drama and expressive arts therapy. She focuses on
building resilience and healing grief, loss, and trauma in individual and group sessions. Within
her practice, Dr. Yowell Wilson is a War Trauma Provider, counselling veterans and military-
connected families.


Dr. Yowell Wilson is particularly interested in the role of community grief ritual in transforming
grief and creating a sense of belonging. Her dissertation research explored the lived experience
of tenders of grief rituals and the meaning they make of this work. Their shared stories highlighthow community grief ritual transforms grief, provides meaning, and opens people up to
the sacredness and wonder of life, death, and grief. 


Dr. Yowell Wilson currently serves as Teaching Faculty and Program Director for Antioch
University’s Drama Therapy program within the Counseling Psychology and Therapy Division.


Maggie also has training in several evidence-based practices, including Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis
(CBTp), Dialectical Behavior Training (DBT), Play Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing
(MI). Prior to private practice, Maggie served as Clinic Manager at Valley Cities’ Rainier Beach
and Renton Clinics. She also served as a Mental Health Counselor and Drama Therapist at Valley
Cities’ Renton and Auburn sites, Creative Arts Therapist in Multicare Auburn Hospital’s
Geriatric Units, and Clinician at Compass Health and the Center at Saint Andrews. Maggie also
practiced as an Environmental Attorney for over 20 years.


Maggie is married to Veteran and War Trauma Provider, Bob Wilson of Valley Cities, and is
proud Grandma to five beautiful grandchildren. Some of her favorite roles are artist, actor,
SoulCollage Facilitator®, and Intentional Creativity® Teacher. She likes to think of herself as a
Celebrant of Wonder and Tender of Sacred Story.

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