The focus of the group is on recovery from emotional pain caused by death and other losses. One of the concepts of the group is: Grief is a normal and natural emotion.

Counseling/Support is given in two formats: A 12-week group meets for two hours each week; and a 7-week individual program with sessions lasting 45 minutes. The group utilizes homework assignments in conjunction with the Grief Recovery Handbook by John James and Russell Friedman.

The rules of the group are to be hones, use confidentiality, realize one’s own uniqueness, and not judge or criticize others.

An important statement to remember: Grief is the conflicting feelings caused by the end of a change in a familiar pattern of behavior. For instance: the sense of relief a loved one has died after a long and painful illness (positive). At the same time realizing you will no longer see that person (painful).

A time line is used to write down losses in one’s life. At the top of the line is a plus sign and at the bottom of the line is a negative sign. If experienced, this will allow for showing a positive and negative feeling at the same time.

Misinformation we learn as a child: Replace our loss, don’t feel bad, and try to be strong. We learn to bury our feelings, not talk about our grief or to replace our grief.

STERBS: Short term energy relieving behaviors – alcohol, food, exercise, rage, anger, depression, and isolation.