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ARE GRIEF GROUPS HELPFUL ?
Bereavement and grief are common human experiences .
Connecting with others is a key coping strategy for grieving people . Sharing experiences of loss is a powerful way toward healing . Research shows that attending a grief support group may help you through these feelings and other difficult emotions that arise from the loss . These peer-centered groups offer the necessary social supports to help people process their grief and work toward a renewed sense of direction and self-identity .
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A GRIEF GROUP ?
Grief groups serve several important purposes :
1 . To process the event of the death : Sharing stories of the loss help participants work through the reality of the death .
2 . To validate feelings and experiences : Coming together as a group helps to normalize the experience .
3 . To provide a sense of hope : Those who are further along in their grief process can be a beacon to those whose loss occurred more recently . 4 . To connect to internal and external resources 5 . To provide a framework for understanding grief : Support groups are often led by facilitators with training in the stages of grief .
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP :
When you arrive at a grief group , you can expect to find participants who are actively engaged in mourning . They are processing their grief externally by sharing details of the death , life changes , and situations bringing their grief to the surface . Participants also share coping mechanisms and external resources . The sessions will generally have 6-12 participants , and the meetings tend to last 60-90 minutes .
You may also expect periods of silence and introspection . Participants are not forced to talk . These periods of silence are welcomed and embraced by the group - it ’ s okay not to feel at ease right away .
To get the most out of a grief support group , it ’ s a good idea to :
1 . Do your homework and make sure you ’ re choosing a group that represents the type of loss you ’ ve endured ( ex : spousal , sibling , child , friend , etc .)
2 . Be on time , present , and stay until the end of the session .
3 . Listen carefully . Empathy and learning both start with a listening ear ; listening to others carefully establishes a sense of care .
4 . Give it a chance : The first couple of sessions may be challenging . It ’ s beneficial to give yourself about three visits before deciding if a group is right for you .
ANCHORPOINT OFFERS A GRIEF GROUP FOR SPOUSAL LOSS IN THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS / TIMES :
1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month • 7:00-8:30 PM @ Saints John & Paul , Wexford
2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month • 1:00- 2:30 PM @ Anchorpoint , Suite 602
1st & 3rd Thursday of every month • 12:30-2:00 PM @ Christ Episcopal Church , North Hills
IF YOU ’ RE INTERESTED , GIVE US A CALL AT 412-366-1300
We offer individual , family , and couples counseling as well as multiple support groups : Parenting Group | Grief Support Group | Single Moms Group | Plus More - Ask Us !
www . anchorpoint . org | 412-366-1300 | 800 McKnight Park Dr . Pittsburgh , PA 15237