Grief
The Problem
The Definition
Simply defined, grief is the normal and natual reaction to significant emotional loss of any kind. While we never compare the impact or importance of losses, any list would include death and divorce as obvious painful losses. Our list also includes many other losses, such as retirement, moving, job loss, pet loss, and financial and health issues.
The range of emotions associated with grief is as varied as there are people and personalities. There is no list of feelings that would adequately describe one person’s emotions, much less an entire society’s.
Grief is individual and unique. As every relationship is unique, so are the feelings and thoughts each person will have about the relationship that has been altered by death, divorce, or for any other reason.
The Problem
While grief is normal and natural, most of the information passed on within our society about dealing with grief is not normal, natural, or helpful. Grief is the emotional response to loss, but most of the information we have learned about dealing with loss is intellectual.
The majority of incorrect ideas about dealing with loss can be summed up in six myths, which are so common that nearly everyone recognizes them. Most poeple have never questioned whether or not they are valid.
Grief
Six Myths
Just looking at the myth “time heals” creates the idea that a person just has to wait and they will feel better. We have known people who have waited 10, 20, 30, and 40 years, and they still do not feel better. We also know that they would tell you that not only had time not healed them, but that it had also compounded the pain. The other five myths carry equally unhelpful messages.
The Solution
Recovery from loss is accomplished by discovering and completing all of the undelivered communications that accrue in relationships. We are all advised to “Let Go” and “Move On” after losses of all kinds. Most of us would do so if we knew how.
Completion of pain caused by a loss is what allows us to let go and move on. It is almost impossible to move on without first taking a series of actions that lead to completion. Before taking any of these actions, it is important to look at and often dismiss some of the ideas or myths that we have tried to use with loss; ideas that are not working.
Grief
Taking Action
The Grief Recovery Method®: Grief Support Group dispels the myths about grief and teaches you about correct action choices that can help you move beyond the pain caused by loss. This eight-week program creates a safe environment in which you can look at old beliefs about dealing with loss and what losses have affected your life. This program also helps you take new actions that lead to completion of the pain attached to one of the losses in your life. These actions provide a framework that can then be applied to other losses.
The text for the eight-week Grief Recovery Program is The Grief Recovery Handbook® - The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses, Including Health, Career, & Faith (released by HarperCollins in 2009), written by John W. James and Russell Friedman, founders of the Grief Recovery Institute®.
Commitment and Attendance
The Grief Recovery Method: Grief Support Group is not an occassional, drop-in group. For the safety and success of all participants, your commitment and attendance are essential. The fee for the program is $250.00. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. The Grief Recovery Method: Grief Support Group is led by BJ Spanos, who has been trained and certified by the Grief Recovery Institute®. To ensure your success, BJ has direct access to the founders of the Institute as an added resource. The program may be completed in a small group setting or in one-on-one sessions with BJ.
Grief
Moving Beyond Loss
Grief is normal and natural. Many of the ideas we have been taught about dealing with grief are not helpful.
Moving Beyond Loss
If you have experienced one or more losses and you wish to move beyond the pain, this program offers you the chance for a richer and more rewarding life. To reserve your space in an upcoming Grief Recovery Method: Grief Support Group or for more information, please contact us:
Grief: 43 Losses
Contact Information
BJ Spanos
Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®
The Professional Building
111 Petrol Point, Suite B-10
Peachtree City, Georgia
Tel: 404-771-9335
