Being a compassionate listener has always been a gift of mine. Throughout my life people seem to be drawn to me because I try to be approachable and sensitive. Those who have approached me to listen to their concerns have always seemed to appreciate the fact that, first, I just listen and not try to give “pat” answers, and second, that I take what they say to me in strict confidence.

A few years ago, our church (Christian Church of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights, Illinois) started a grief ministry program that was faith-based. Although we were able to minister to people from diverse backgrounds (religious and non-religious), we struggled with the faith-based support group program format we were using. First, it held a perspective on healing which had as part of the end goal connecting people to Christian beliefs. Second, it seemed to be lacking in a results-based process for having participants work through their grief and develop a sense of recovery such as can occur utilizing the Grief Recovery Method. We were able to provide participants a “listening ear”, but we did not feel equipped to help them get through the process of grieving. Our church wanted something more inclusive, and more results based. After researching different program options, we decided on utilizing the Grief Recovery Method.

Having gone through the Grief Recovery Method process of dealing with my own grief over the death of my father, and of coming to a sense of “completion of my grief”, I am very passionate about using it to help others and pleased that our church offers this program as part of our grief support ministry. Of note - I am not a clergy person or a clinician, just a member of the church congregation who desires to help others without regards to their religious or non-religious background.

Our church is now initiating a new series of support groups which use the Grief Recovery Method eight-week course for persons eighteen years and older who are dealing with all types of grief. The first support group for the 2025 calendar year was held in the spring. We are now preparing to start the second support group for 2025.

This support group will start on Sunday, September 28, and meet through Sunday, November 23. It will meet at our church facilities each Sunday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be a brief information session on Sunday, September 14, at 2:00 p.m. at the church. By attending this session there is no obligation to join the support group.

The support group is open to persons of all faith or non-faith backgrounds. It is my sincere hope that we can be of service to you. Please feel free to email if you are interested in participating in one of our Grief Recovery Method support groups.

With kindest regards,
Dana Auman