Frequently Asked Questions
A “life loss” is the loss of someone or something significant, important, or precious to you. more>
What is a support group?
A support group is a self-help group. We offer grief support groups for different kinds of grief. The groups are free of charge and meet monthly.
Do I need to pre-register to attend a support group?
Pre-registration is not necessary. Our groups are open groups.
Do people attend groups every month?
People attend groups when they want to come. If you are having an easier time and don’t want to attend, you are not required to come. If you are having a difficult time, you may return at any time.
Does attending a support group mean that I’m not able to deal with my own grief?
Attending a support group is not a sign of weakness or inability to deal with grief. It simply provides a safe place where you can receive support for your loss from others who truly understand what it is like to experience a similar loss.
What if I don’t want to talk?
You don’t have to say anything in group that you are not comfortable sharing.
What if I’m not comfortable with crying, or if I get embarrassed if I cry?
Tears are welcome in our support groups. However, we understand if you have difficulty with tears. Everyone expresses grief differently.
What about confidentiality in support groups?
Because grief experiences and stories are personal and difficult to share, the group members commit to the value of confidentiality at the beginning of each group meeting.
What kind of help is available if I’m a private person or if I don’t want to attend a support group?
Periodically we offer Grief Recovery programs during the year. Grief Recovery programs run for 6 weeks and are offered as non-threatening classes, not as open sharing groups. Each class focuses on a specific topic and is taught in a lecture-discussion format. If you are a private person and do not want to attend a class or be in a group setting, we can refer you for private grief counseling.
What is a Grief Recovery program?
Grief Recovery is a program that runs for 6 weeks at a time. Pre-registration is required, and those who attend commit to attending six, 1½-hour classes.
Is private grief counseling available?
Our founder is a licensed counselor specializing in grief and crisis counseling. She has a separate private counseling practice. There are also other counseling centers to which you can be referred.
Are there grief recovery programs available for children or adolescents?
We are in the process of securing funding so that grief recovery programs can be developed and offered for children and adolescents. We hope to begin these programs in the fall of 2011.
Are there programs that could help me learn how to help others who are struggling with grief or sadness?
We offer training programs and workshops for non-professionals and church groups who want to be more effective in helping those who are hurting. “How to Help a Heartbroken Friend” and “How to Lead a Support Group” are two of these. We can also provide programs tailored to the needs of your group.
How can I help the “Joy in the Mourning” Center?
We want you to be involved by volunteering, organizing a fund-raiser, helping to make people aware of the organization and the work we do, or donating to help us achieve our mission of providing needed no-cost or low-cost services to people.