“Obviously, recovering from a significant emotional loss is not an easy task. It will require your attention, a level of open-mindedness, much willingness, courage, and above all: a series of actions and small steps that must be made by you. No one can recover but you. With the right information and correct action, you can discover the strength within yourself to recover.”(Taken from The Grief Recovery Handbook by James and Cherry)

1. To identify and explain the grief process and phases of the grief cycle.

2. To identify and discuss one’s own losses both recent and over a lifetime.

3. To identify and compare cultural and familial reactions to the grief process.

4. To identify and explain how one’s “relationship” to the loss affects the grief process.

5. To identify, examine and practice the power of mourning rituals.

6. Compare and contrast healthy and complicated grief.

7. Identify and practice the steps leading to recovery and transition to another phase of living.

8. Gain an understanding of the phases of grieving and identify one’s current place in this process.

9. Evaluate our myths about grief and the “tribal” messages our families and culture have passed on to us.

10. Identifying “short-term” energy relievers, and replacing them with healthy long-term methods for recovery.

11. Review and analyze one’s losses over the lifespan. Understand the concepts of accumulated losses, disenfranchised grief, complicated grief, and unfinished losses.

12. Begin the recovery and healing process through acceptance of responsibility and choosing to complete a loss.

The Grief Recovery Handbook, by James and Friedman One additional grief recovery book of student’s choice Notebook for handouts, homework, journal, notes, etc.

Students are expected to attend all class sessions and read and be prepared to discuss the information given in the text The Grief Recovery Handbook. In addition, students are required to do the weekly homework assignments and compile them in a portfolio. Students will keep a journal and share with the class as they desire. You will read one additional grief recovery book of your choice and share with the class.

Please remember these important points…

1. Grief is the normal and natural reaction to a loss. Unresolved grief is almost always about undelivered communications of an emotional nature.

2. Grievers are not broken; therefore, they do not need to be “fixed”, analyzed, criticized or advised. They do need to be listened to with our full attention, respect and love.

3. The safety of this group and your individual recovery hangs on each person’s ability to communicate their own thoughts and feelings without interruption or judgment.

4. Practice paraphrasing the feeling or the content of someone’s story or ask questions, which encourage the speaker to share feelings rather than more factual information. Example: (“How was that for you?”)

5. Be careful not to monopolize the discussion sharing time. Avoid making group time into an individual therapy session. You are expected to come to the class/group experience planning to work through your losses.

6. Commit yourself to:

7. Recovery from loss is achieved through:

8. Regular attendance is vital if you wish to learn grief recovery techniques. Much of our learning will take place through class exercises and discussions in which you need to participate, from which you will receive, and to which you can make your own unique contributions.

9. You can receive an instructor’s withdrawal if you miss two or more classes. Please call Deanna at 388-9178 to make arrangements if you have unavoidable class time conflict.

*If you have or suspect you have a disability that may interfere with your ability to perform class responsibilities, talk with the instructor immediately. Also, you may wish to consult with the Center for Disability Services.

*You may receive an instructor’s withdrawal if you miss two or more classes. Each class session will allow time for students to share books and resources they have found helpful.