Page 19 - 2016 Autumn-Winter Issue
P. 19
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Grief and Groups:
Eight Curative Factors
by Gloria Horsley Compassionate Friends is my preferred grief group for child
loss as it provides siblings, parents and grandparents the
During my over 30 years as a therapist and counselor, I opportunity to both serve and be served depending on their
have often been asked by clients and friends, “What do you situation. The newly bereaved are helped by listening to the
think is best, a bereavement group or individual therapy?” stories of those who are further along in their grief and the
Those who decide to go with a group then ask, “What is more seasoned griever has the chance to see how far they
best, a peer-led group like The Compassionate Friends or have come and to assist others in coping with their grief.
a group lead by a trained therapist?” Often mental health There are many opportunities to serve. One can be a chapter
professionals make the case that a trained therapist is leader, a member of the steering committee, or set up chairs
needed in order to run an effective group. I believe that or bring refreshments. Small and larger assignments give
a case can be made for either peer or professionally led those in grief a feeling that they have something to offer and
groups depending on individual needs and desires. Some a reason to attend meetings.
professionally trained grief therapists often encourage
clients to attend private therapy as well as a support group, Why Group?
but expenses often enter the picture. Many join a peer-led
group because they do not have the financial resources or It all started for me in nursing school years ago when I
desire to participate in paid grief support. was exposed to the work of Dr. Victor Yalom in his classic
1970 book The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy.
Group Process In this book Dr. Yalom identifies 11 Therapeutic Factors
(sometimes referred to as
I am a strong advocate of the group process whether the
group is led by a professional therapist or is peer-led. The (continued on page 20)
We Need Not Walk Alone|1 9
