Tips For Grieving

Purpose

This is based on some work from the Post Traumatic Stress Workbook. I usually include this list in the handouts and we talk about them briefly in class.

Click here to see the PTSD Workbook.

Materials

Tips for Grieving:

• Ignore other peoples time-tables. Take as much time as you need to work through the process. Grieving is individual and not by formula.

• Know that a wide variety of emotions will occur. This is normal. Be aware of the emotions, knowing they will pass in time.

• Memorialize the loss. Having some visible, concrete way to remember a person can be a great comfort to us.

• View upsurges in grief as an opportunity to heal and move forward.

• Don't hold onto the negative feelings like guilt, shame, a desire to punish yourself and the desire to change the past. They aren't helpful, and they get in the way of healing.

• Consider how losses can lead to gains. Often our worst struggles are our best teachers. We can come through a loss with a better sense of who we are and what is important to us. We can come out the other side of the grieving process with new purpose and direction and great wisdom in our lives.

• Consider the possibility of forgiving those who have disappointed or hurt you.

Procedure

1. Read the list aloud.
2. Ask for comments.
3. Ask for suggestions on ways losses can lead to gains.