Losing my grandparents was life changing for me. I was the first among my peers to lose a grandparent and I was extremely close with both of them as my mom was a single parent, I practically lived with them. I found it really hard to relate to people after their deaths as people didn't seem to "get it" and I felt very isolated.
Fast forward a few years later, and I gave birth to my first child and was a stay at home parent. I had practiced therapy as a social worker for over 5 years at that point, focusing on traumatic cases and I was thinking of ways to get involved with some sort of organization on a part time basis. I attended a "programs fair" that my temple hosted and was surprised to find out they had a bereavement group. I spoke to the temple member who had been leading the group, informed him of my therapeutic license and asked if they were interested in some of my resources and help. I was very shy when I attended the first meeting and had expected to only listen. I was asked to sit beside the leader and I found myself really connecting to the members who had lost such important people in their lives. It was emotional and I couldn't wait to go back for another meeting.
Fast forward 8 years later and not only did co-leading the group let me dip my toes back into my profession and engage in art therapies, mindfulness practices, and DBT techniques, but I became part of this community that truly supported and loved each other. They all "got it." They understood each other's pain and struggle and were there to be validating, supportive and encouraging. Members may say I helped them by providing coping skills and a listening ear, but I learned so much from them about resilience and strength. Grief is something we don't talk about enough as a society, and grievers need a true safe space to process their loss and openly feel their feelings without judgment. Everyone should be blessed to have someone they can turn to during their time of need and be met with love and understanding.
Fast forward a few years later, and I gave birth to my first child and was a stay at home parent. I had practiced therapy as a social worker for over 5 years at that point, focusing on traumatic cases and I was thinking of ways to get involved with some sort of organization on a part time basis. I attended a "programs fair" that my temple hosted and was surprised to find out they had a bereavement group. I spoke to the temple member who had been leading the group, informed him of my therapeutic license and asked if they were interested in some of my resources and help. I was very shy when I attended the first meeting and had expected to only listen. I was asked to sit beside the leader and I found myself really connecting to the members who had lost such important people in their lives. It was emotional and I couldn't wait to go back for another meeting.
Fast forward 8 years later and not only did co-leading the group let me dip my toes back into my profession and engage in art therapies, mindfulness practices, and DBT techniques, but I became part of this community that truly supported and loved each other. They all "got it." They understood each other's pain and struggle and were there to be validating, supportive and encouraging. Members may say I helped them by providing coping skills and a listening ear, but I learned so much from them about resilience and strength. Grief is something we don't talk about enough as a society, and grievers need a true safe space to process their loss and openly feel their feelings without judgment. Everyone should be blessed to have someone they can turn to during their time of need and be met with love and understanding.