Testimonials For Support Groups
I was extremely pleased with the facilitators and how they instructed our meetings. My problem was with the actual content of the program. Although I agreed with many of the points made there were many I disagree with and feel will cause some people more harm then good. I strongly agree that Forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person and is an action, not a feeling. One of my problems is in chapter 8, first paragraph where it states, "Since we have ALL been socialized from early on to deal with sad, painful, and negative emotions INCORRECTLY,....." That is very presumptive and arrogant of the writers to think that everyone was taught wrong and that they are the only ones who know how to handle grief. It has been 25 years since my parents were murdered. I believe I made it through because of the wonderful way that I was taught and handled things the way that was needed. Also in chapter 8 it is implied that everyone is either given food or told to ignore their grief. This also is not true. I was blessed with parents that sat and talked with me when there was a problem and helped me work it out. They did not ignore it or tell me I should not be feeling that way or give me food or anything else to take me mind off it. It was dealt with. Saying that we have all been taught to bottle up our feelings is wrong. I am sure some people were taught that, but not everyone. One of my other big problems was with the relationship graph. Dredging things up from the past just so you can forgive someone or apologize for something that is long since finished is not helpful; I feel it only causes more pain. Someone like me who was taught correctly to handle things when they happened has already dealt with these things so do not need to bring them up again, that is just asking for trouble. I also disagree with you saying not to touch someone and not to respond to their statements. I am sure I am not the only one that feels that when someone reaches out and touches me when I am sharing something so important means they are actually listening and at least in a small way understanding what I am saying. Also some small words of comfort are wanted not frowned upon. I think your book is a great starting point but think it would be better if you did not just assume everyone was taught incorrectly. You made lots of good points that I have thankfully, already learned along my journey. As one of the other members of my group so wonderfully said, I joined this group to add more tools to my life. Tools to use to help myself and loved ones to get through the hard times. I am very glad I attended these meetings because I made some new friends.
Support Groups04/30/2019Participant in Bridgeton, NJ
The course made me aware and helped me face many unresolved aspects of grief that I couldn't recognize or deal with on my own. Initially, I didn't want to go but I thought it might help--so I went and stayed with it. It was a highly beneficial and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to share with others. Sharing sorrow with those who are experiencing it themselves, eases the burden of it. The course marked a positive turning point in my journey through sorrow.
Support Groups04/29/2019Participant in Mesa Banner Hospice - Banner Gateway Medical Center, AZ
Support Groups04/28/2019Participant in Philadelphia , Pa
Support Groups04/28/2019Participant in philadelphia , PA
Amazing. This process gave me some very thought-provoking insight into the process of coping with profound personal loss. So helpful in recognizing the steps to deal with future loss and completing loss that has already occurred in my life. I am so glad I had to opportunity to feel the safe support of the facilitator and the people participating in the group. Thank you!
Support Groups04/28/2019Participant in Salt Lake City, UT
The program helped me describe and connect with my emotions which were usually buried deep. I am able to convey my emotions to my wife which has helped our relationship immensely I was able to shed some emotional baggage that was weighing down my life Thanks
Support Groups04/28/2019Participant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I have been Suffering from Caregiving for 3 Family Members in a Row. Way Too Much. My Brothers Refused To Help me so I Followed a Path For Caregiving Assistance. I met the Public Health Nurse in our Community Suzanne Zaw. Since I was Born with a Extreme Birth Disorder She Recognized My Need For Assistance. I have Klippell-Trenaurnay or K/T. I’m debilitated with no. Healing wounds for 56 yrs and yet I was expected by my 2 Brothers To “ Just Do The Caregiving !” It Broke my Health and my Spirit for Living Life. I walked away from my last Caregiving of my Father as the Verbal Abuse became Unbearable for me Any Longer. This Caused a Very Large Financial Loss for me and I am Still Struggling Daily because my Father Removed Me from the Family with Breaking the 2011 FAMILY TRUST. Giving Everything to the 2 Brothers. My Mother was my 2nd Caregiving and She Died April 20, 2016 and My World Crashed.
Support Groups04/27/2019Participant in Kailua-Kona , Hawaii
Support Groups04/26/2019Participant in Indianapolis, IN
Support Groups04/26/2019
Support Groups04/25/2019Participant in Provo, Utah
Support Groups04/24/2019Participant in Webster, NY
After the first week and while doing the homework, the fog began to lift. I was able to feel something again
Support Groups04/23/2019Participant in Rolla, Missouri
Support Groups04/23/2019Participant in Lethbridge , AB
The program was very beneficial to myself and showed me other areas where the "grief recovery" would work to resolve "unresolved issues" concerning others.
Support Groups04/23/2019Participant in Rolla, MO
Too soon to tell but it gas given me things to think about
Support Groups04/23/2019Participant in Lethbridge , AB
I learned how to share my story and to listen to others.
Support Groups04/19/2019Participant in Tequesta, FL
The program has helped me heal. It has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons. For example, it taught me that grief is okay and that the best thing that we can do for someone who is grieving is to listen to them and be by their side. This program taught me what emotional incompleteness is and it inspired me to communicate my emotions more. It also taught me that there is a lot of power in reading your significant emotional statements out loud in front of others. Furthermore, it taught me that loving others is accepting them as they are and not for whom we want them to be. Most importantly, it helped me heal from the grief that my father's absence caused me. I am very grateful for this program.
Support Groups04/19/2019Participant in Provo, UT
Support Groups04/18/2019Participant in Pensacola, FL
Great
Support Groups04/18/2019
This program gave me great strategies to use when recovering from grief. It also helped me to realize that there are many different types of grief, and that grief is not only related to the death of a loved one. I came to realize that recovering from grief is the path to happiness.
Support Groups04/17/2019Participant in Webster, NY
I really enjoyed participating in this program because allowed me to reflect on the various experiences in my own life that have shaped me into who I am today. It was healing for me to look back on relationships and other losses and find the goodness that came from them regardless of how it may have ended.
Support Groups04/17/2019Participant in Provo, Utah
When I went to the info session I went to support my friend mostly. After listening to all the information, I realized how much this could benefit me as well. It is definitely heart work, which is the term our facilitator told us the very first night. The program has helped me so much in how I deal with others now that my own reaction can sometimes shock me. What a great new outlook on life. I am definitely more free.
Support Groups04/16/2019Participant in Lethbridge, Alberta
The program has worked very well for me. I used the program guidelines to deal with the deaths of two family members several years in the past. The program allowed me to release a lot of the pain around these deaths and to embrace some good memories from the past which, up until then, I hadn't been able to access.
Support Groups04/16/2019Participant in Lethbridge, Alberta
I am interested in becoming certified to lead this kind of recovery group in the future. There is much that I learned through the reading that helped me realize that we are all ill-adjusted to accepting grief and loss in our lives. I appreciated the knowledge the class brought me in addition to the closure I received with my losses.
Support Groups04/15/2019Participant in Provo, Utah