Hello Veronica,
This is a new format for us.
We had been doing the 8 week format.
We resumed after COVID with the 8 week format. The participants wanted to continue meeting after the eight weeks. Based on our outside groups and our case load, we are not in a position to have an additional concurrent 8 week group and the ongoing grief group. We created this hybrid and it has been working very well. The participants that have been coming for longer like to offer their support and the newer participants feel encouraged to hear about the grief journey from the perspective of people longer in the process.
With appreciation,
Betsy S. Kramer, MA
Bereavement Coordinator
Bristol Hospice Sacramento, LLC.
2140 Professional Dr. Ste. 210
Roseville, CA 95661
Phone: 916-782-5511
Fax: 916-782-5635
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Original Message:
Sent: 4/3/2023 11:03:00 AM
From: Veronica Ibarra
Subject: RE: Grief Group
do you also have a scheduled 8 week program?
We do both -- a 6 week program with a set curriculum
that meets with the same group of people each week for 6 weeks.
We have a separate ongoing group to which people
are invited to participate as they want/need. We start it
the same way you do and usually have a topic to prompt
discussion if something isn't brought up.
Thanks,
Veronica M. Ibarra, MS, FT, BCC
Bereavement Counselor
Presbyterian Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care
Albuquerque, NM
Bereavement Services: 505-559-7055
Cell: 505-377-1601
Hospice Main: 505-559-1000
"The journey through grief has a varied landscape but no permanent detours."
- from Healing After Loss, Martha Whitmore Hickman
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Original Message:
Sent: 3/31/2023 12:05:00 PM
From: Betsy Kramer
Subject: RE: Grief Group
Hi Erin,
We have an 8 week binder of material that we give to each new member of our ongoing weekly Grief Group.
Meetings are held on Tuesdays 2:00pm-3:30pm. Many participants find the reading material very helpful and it give everyones a shared understanding of grief to discuss.
We start the group with the same format every time. Welcome, basics of group agreements and invitation to share, address concerns and questions about their grief. Everyone shares their name, their loved one(s) they have lost and sometimes that is all. This is a safe place to listen if that is all you are able or want to do. As facilitators we often set the frame for the group which creates a safety for people to participate to the degree they are comfortable.
We often provide specific resources based on the questions and requests brought up directly in the group at the next meeting.
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Betsy S. Kramer, MA
Bristol Hospice Sacramento
Bereavement Coordinator
CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-30-2023 12:07 PM
From: Kimberlee Robinson
Subject: Grief Group
I am new to the role of Bereavement Coordinator. I appreciate all the helpful info you all are sharing. THANK YOU. Does anyone have any thoughts on the best time of day (or evening) to get regular attendance at Grief Support meetings? And where are you holding these meetings? Anyone successfully using online Zoom type meeting for outlying geographical areas or those who have travel difficulties?
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Kimberlee Robinson MPH, MM
Fellow in Thanatology
Hospice Chaplain, Bereavement Coordinator
Smoky Mountain Hospice
Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2023 01:35 PM
From: Emily Feldberg
Subject: Grief Group
Hi Erin,
I facilitate our grief support groups which are 1.5 hours. We have a 6 week group for adults and then a monthly drop in group for those who have attended our 6 week groups for continued support. In some of our groups I like to show a short story about grief that can be found at Speaking Grief, they also offer a fantastic documentary about grief (https://speakinggrief.org). In our 6-week groups I use the loss discussion cards from Girls Gone Happy. I ended up laminating the cards and usually use them once the group has met for several weeks so they feel more comfortable together. I hope some of these ideas are helpful and I always like to see what other facilitators are doing!
- Emily
Original Message:
Sent: 03-24-2023 10:50 AM
From: Erin Staggers
Subject: Grief Group
Hi, me again. I'm back with questions about your Grief Support Groups! We have one once a month on the fourth Wednesday of every month. I'm curious if any of you watch a video or anything like that during your group? Our groups are only an hour long. any help is appreciated. Thank you!
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Erin Staggers
Volunteer/Bereavement Coordinator, Home Hospice
UPMC Western Maryland
1050 West Industrial Blvd, Suite 19
Cumberland, MD 21502
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