Grief and Loss Support Group

This monthly open drop-in support group will provide a safe place to receive comfort and hope. Led by Barbara Plank, a retired hospital chaplain, the group meets the first Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The monthly topics are:

 

January

“Understanding Grief”
The grief process can be a long and arduous one. We will gain insight into the normal stages of grief which include denial, anger, guilt, depression and acceptance.

 

February

“Living with Stress”
The focus is on being aware of the amount of stress each of us is currently experiencing and providing suggestions on how to manage stress more effectively.

 

March

“Accepting and Expressing Feelings”
While feelings are a natural part of our lives, they are sometimes elusive. The goal is to help participants identify their feelings and to consider appropriate ways to express them.

 

April

“Healthy Ways to Survive Our Losses”
Taking good care of ourselves is vital to our healing. We will offer self-care resources.

 

May

“Remembering and Memorializing”
People from our past form part of who each of us is and they are part of the heritage we pass on to those who come after us. Memorializing is a way to hold on to those parts we do not want to lose.

 

June

“Anniversaries”
The first observance of an important day following the loss of a significant relationship can be particularly difficult. This session focuses on how to get through these difficult days and make them enjoyable again.

 

July

“Role Changes”
After the death of a loved one, our roles inevitably change. We have to give up some roles while others are thrust upon us. We will explore ways to deal with these new changes and functions in our lives.

 

August

“Social Changes”
The loss of a significant person not only affects us, it affects our relationship with others. We may be a “single“ in a “couples” world. We may suddenly have unaccustomed “free time”. We may feel the need for companionship. We will discuss creative ways to deal with these social changes.

 

September

“Grief and Its Effects on the Whole Family”
Through the use of video and discussion, we will take an in-depth look at how the pain of loss impacts us and our families.

 

October

“Growing Through Losing”
We know we are unable to outrun or hide from the pain of a significant loss. In this session we will explore was to use this experience, unwelcome though it may be, for personal growth and transformation.

 

November

“Coping With the Holidays”
The holidays are a stressful time even under the best of conditions. When in the midst of grieving a significant loss, the stress is even higher. We will look at options to alleviate some of this stress. The goal is to increase our chances of having a satisfying holiday experience.

 

December

“Living with Hope and the Holidays”
This session will attempt to have us take a broad view of our life experiences. To consider how our past history, our current lifestyle, and our future need affect mental and spiritual resources can be utilized effectively in coping with losses. Includes looking further at how we are doing during the holidays.

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