Grief Recovery
What is Grief?
Grief can be described as the normal and natural reaction to loss or to any change in a familiar pattern of behavior. Although grief and loss are usually associated with death or divorce, there are over 40 life events that can cause feelings of grief. Some of the most common include:
Grief can be described as the normal and natural reaction to loss or to any change in a familiar pattern of behavior. Although grief and loss are usually associated with death or divorce, there are over 40 life events that can cause feelings of grief. Some of the most common include:
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What are the Myths about Grief?
The grief that comes with any emotional loss can be overwhelming and also very isolating. Often people find that those they normally count on for emotional support are at a total loss when it comes to offering effective and meaningful assistance. They will often give you logical reasons why you should not feel bad, but that rarely helps. Here are the most common myths and intellectual statements we hear after a loss:
Grief is emotional and not logical! You are suffering from a broken heart, not a broken head! The fact that you are seeking help in dealing with that emotional pain is not a sign of weakness, but rather a recognition on your part that you are interested in taking recovery action!
The grief that comes with any emotional loss can be overwhelming and also very isolating. Often people find that those they normally count on for emotional support are at a total loss when it comes to offering effective and meaningful assistance. They will often give you logical reasons why you should not feel bad, but that rarely helps. Here are the most common myths and intellectual statements we hear after a loss:
- Time heals. Time does not heal, action within time does. We know people who have waited 10, 20, 30 or even 40 years to feel better.
- Grieve alone. Often this advice is subtly implied, “Give your mom her space” or “He just needs a few minutes alone in the other room.” As children, we learn that this means that sad feelings should be hidden or experienced alone.
- Be strong. Usually the Griever is asked to be strong for others. “You have to be strong for your [wife]” or “Be strong for your children.
- Don’t feel bad. This is usually followed by an intellectually true statement but is not helpful at all to the Griever, “Don’t feel bad, his suffering is over.” or “Don’t feel bad, at least you knew her as long as you did.”
- Replace the loss. This is common with pet loss or the end of a romantic relationship. “On Tuesday we’ll get you a new dog” or “There are plenty of fish in the sea. You just have to get out there and date again.” Most likely there has been no action taken to grieve over the loss of the pet or relationship, just an attempt at not feeling the emotions attached to the loss.
- Keep busy. “If I just keep busy then I won’t have time to think about the loss.” This one is sad because some people spend their whole lives with this mentality and never get a chance to grieve and complete what was unfinished with the particular loss
Grief is emotional and not logical! You are suffering from a broken heart, not a broken head! The fact that you are seeking help in dealing with that emotional pain is not a sign of weakness, but rather a recognition on your part that you are interested in taking recovery action!
What is Grief Recovery?
In simple terms, grief recovery occurs when relationships that have ended with incomplete or unresolved emotional communications become complete. How does this happen? The Grief Recovery Method® is the only evidence-based grief recovery program proven to help people recover from unresolved grief. The program helps people identify and deliver communications about unmet hopes, dreams, and expectations, as well as communications around things we wish we would have done different better, or more. By the end of your work in the Grief Recovery program, you will be able to remember the relationship without unresolved pain and be able to move forward with your life. |
Grief Recovery Programs
8-Week Grief Support GroupOur support groups offer a safe, evidence-based environment for grievers to take effective and lasting action, no matter the type of loss experienced. These groups are led by Grief Recovery Method Specialists, trained and certified by the Grief Recovery Institute.
*Stay tuned for upcoming groups. |
7-Week 1-on-1 SupportThis program is for those who prefer to work face to face 1-on-1, rather than in a group setting. This 7-meeting format utilizes the same proven materials as the group programs in a more private setting.
*Currently accepting 1-on-1 clients. Please contact me for more information. |
7-Week Pet Loss Support GroupThe loss of a pet can be emotionally devastating. Sadly, the impact of the heartbreak of this type of loss is often downplayed or ignored by friends and family. This 6-meeting program is focused on offering pet owners an effective mechanism for taking action to move through their grief.
*Stay tuned for upcoming groups. |
Helping Children with Loss - Parent Support
The vast majority of parents find themselves at a loss when trying to help their children deal with any grieving experience that impacts them. This 4-week program is designed to teach parents, and others who work with children, the necessary tools to help children effectively deal with their broken hearts, no matter the loss they are facing. This program is useful for parents of children aged 3 to late teen.
Children face loss such as:
Children face loss such as:
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*1-on-1 sessions available now. Contact me for more information.