The Grieving Process Can Be a Healing Journey
Grief is a testament to the love we have for a loved one who has passed. Grief can be distressing and unbearably emotional. You might experience shock, denial, anger, and depression in your grieving process. The purpose of this group is to help you process your grief, connect with others also grieving, and find ways to continue honoring your loved one.
Through grief counseling, you will have space to talk about your loved one, honor your emotions and recognize the various stages of mourning. With loss also comes changes in self-identity and the role a person plays in life. You will have the opportunity to explore your thoughts on identity changes and also have a safe space to explore your spiritual beliefs.
Grief is a journey that looks different for everyone
Greif is a journey that we all share in some way. You may be feeling a range of emotions - sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, or even moments of joy and peace. Whatever you're feeling is valid, and it's okay to express those feelings here. This group is a safe space where you can share your story without judgment, and find comfort and understanding among others who are going through a similar experience. It's important to remember that there's no right or wrong way to grieve, and that healing takes time. It's a process that requires patience, self-care, and support from those around us. Together, we can work towards finding a sense of peace and acceptance in our own time and in our own way
Session 1
Introductions. Basics of grief, mourning; self-care. Participants have the opportunity to share the story of their loss. The group will provide an opportunity for members to tell their stories and to move from head to heart in embracing the reality and impact of death.
Session 2
Check-in /catch-up. The group will learn about various grief responses; and will learn how to attend to and care for emotions in grief. Participants will talk about finding a balanced approach to grief, moving both “toward” and “away” from grief. The grief group is one place members are encouraged to move “toward” their grief, exploring the broad range of thoughts and feelings that accompany loss.
Session 3
Check-in /catch-up. Myths and Facts about grief; share favorite qualities of loved ones, mementos. Participants are encouraged to discover a different kind of relationship with the person who has passed away – one that is based on precious memories, the presence of objects and photos that recall the person, conversations about dreams and legacies the bereaved person hopes to continue in his/her loved one’s honor, letters or journal entries written to the deceased, and so on.
Session 4
Check-in /catch-up. Coping Strategies – Building Resilience
Members will be led through mindfulness breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, and other somatic exercises. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss views and feelings toward death and dying.
Session 5
Check-in /catch-up. Finding the voice of the deceased. Members will continue to share about their loved ones and reflect on what they might have to say. What would your loved one say are your moments of greatness in life?
Session 6
Check-in /catch-up. Changes in family, identity, and roles. With a significant loss, come changes in self-identity and the role a person plays in life. Members will have the opportunity to process their thoughts on identity changes and explore the adjustment with others in similar situations.
Session 7
Check-in /catch-up. Spirituality, meaning, self-care (music, writing, art, exercise). It is common for group members to struggle with “why?” questions about death: why did this happen? Why now? Why in this way? This group provides a safe, non-judgmental place in which to ask these questions and make meaning of the loss. Participants may also broaden the question from “why?” to “how? (e.g. how can I best care for myself?), or “where from here? (e.g. how will I create new purposes?).
Session 8
Check-in /catch-up. Goodbyes, sharing plans; memories and rituals, and connections going forward. Grief is an ongoing process that unfolds over the course of many years. Sometimes participants express a desire to continue to meet after the sessions are complete. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange contact information to keep in touch with other members. Participants will share what their plans are to continue attending to their grief.
Your heartache has the opportunity to also create meaningful connections. Our hope is that as a result of attending our bereavement circle, your grief will be eased and no longer unbearable. You will become more aware of your sense of self and needs and improve your ways to be with your emotions. Through our meetings connections with others will be formed so that you won't feel so alone in what you are going through. Through our community, you can find the strength to accept your grief and move forward in the process of creating meaning and acceptance in daily life.
Feel free to reach out for a free diagnostic tool and 20-minute phone consultation to see whether you qualify.
Each session is $75, if you’d like to use insurance for this group, please send your insurance information.
Email: cathyltrenary@gmail.com
Phone: 703-283-5662