“Can I see another’s woe and not be in sorrow too? Can I see another’s grief, and not seek for kind relief?” – William Blake
Grief groups are a wonderful place to see other’s grief and find kind relief. There is so much connection within these groups. These examples are limited and there are so many options. Chances are there is a group out there for you.
There are all sorts of groups:
💚 based on your loss – loss of a spouse, loss of child, loss of parent
💚 based on cause of loss – car accident, illness or violence
💚 general loss groups – all types of losses are together
💚 for a set time or duration – 4 weeks, 8 weeks or 12 weeks group
💚 drop in group means “just come if you want”
💚 based on faith – GriefShare is a great example
💚 specific type of processing – art, music, journaling, storytelling
💚 variable locations – online, in-person, hospitals, hospice, community centers.
💚 based on you… – men’s group, widow/widower group, sibling, child, teen, family
Not only are there types of groups… there are different types of group facilitators. 💛 Professionals and Interns are those that have education, understand the various factors of grief and tools to help guide you in grief. They may have had their own grief experiences that they draw from or have led them to the profession. These folks may be Counselors, Social Workers, Nurses, Clergy/Pastors, or Educators.
💛 Volunteers are generally trained by the Professional Facilitators and have some information to help. Most likely they, too, had a significant loss that has guided them to serve.
💛 Peer Facilitators are those that have also had a loss and are interested in giving.
There is a flip side to this. Not everyone seeks out a group, not everyone needs a group, not everyone finds benefit in a group. Sometimes we take on other’s grief or compare losses when we hear other’s stories. Every loss is tough in its own way and not up for comparison. Life is full of complications and some have more than others… your’s are just as important. Differences are what make these groups a wonderful place for growth.
Check in with yourself… is this something you are interested in? Just like anything you may need to try a few different ones to find your fit.