Grief Counseling
About Grief...
Grief is a natural response to loss and in the era of COVID-19, everyone has experienced many different types of losses. Things we used to think of as normal have changed and we can struggle as we try to adapt to an "altered normal." Illness or loss of a loved one during these times can be very hard with restrictions placed on visits to hospitals and nursing facilities and on gatherings for funeral and memorial services. These conditions change the ways we can show care, be with our loved ones, and the ways we say goodbye.
The needs persist in our special needs families, but the ways services are provided has had to change. We offer telehealth services in some cases when meeting in person is not possible and the loss of in person interaction matters.
Lots of people have lost the regular routines of going to and from work, school and worship experiences--not to mention losses related to playing or going to sports and community events--even dining out and getting hair and nails done has completely changed! Some athletes missed entire seasons and the opportunities to be seen by college scouts. Many students completed their academic work--many successfully shifting from "in person" classes to online during this time--yet they missed the Pomp and Circumstance of their expected graduation ceremonies. COVID-19 has generated a mountain of losses that impact all of us.
You may have losses related to:
- Death
- Divorce or end of a relationship
- Changes in job or career or retirement
- Trust
- Faith
- Sense of safety
- Health changes
- Loss of the "expected" child
Some common myths about grief:
- Time heals all wounds
- Replace the loss
- Grieve alone
- Be strong for others
- Bury your feelings
In contrast to the myths, your feelings are normal and natural. The problem is that we have been socialized to believe that these feelings are abnormal and unnatural.
What we do...
We are here to help you navigate your losses and offer grief support. All of our mental health providers have had personal and professional experiences and training related to grief and are equipped uniquely to support you through individual therapy.
Kathleen Shanahan, MA, AMFT #IMF82579 is our Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®who offers group support using the Grief Recovery Method® an action program for moving beyond death, divorce, and other losses in a 10-week program. Groups are closed (this is not a drop-in program) to increase connection and promote safety and space is limited. Per person cost for the 10-week group is $250 ($25 per week), payable at registration. We do not offer refunds, but you may be able to reschedule for a different group/time at a later date. Contact Kathleen Shanahan at 714-699-3367 for additional information and registration.
People say you have to let go and move on in your life, but they don’t tell you what you need to do to accomplish that. The Grief Recovery Method® Program not only makes that possible, but provides partnerships and guidance to ensure that it happens
Copyrights © / Trademarks (TM). ©1993-Present, Grief Recovery Institute®, John W. James, and Russell P. Friedman. All Grief Recovery Institute® related copyrights/trademarks are owned by The Grief Recovery Institute, John W. James, and Russell P. Friedman including but not limited to: The Grief Recovery Institute®, The Grief Recovery Method®, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, Grief❣Recovery®, and AARAM Formula®. All rights reserved.
Supervisor Dr. Toni Dunning, MA, DMFT,LMFT #MFC51248