My name is Cindy Sbicca and was introduced to the Grief Recovery Method in 2007.  At the time I was living in Palm Desert after seeking help for my alcohol addiction at The Betty Ford Center.  While I was in treatment, my dad was diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer and died six months later.

Shortly after he died, the Betty Ford Center began offering the eight week Grief Recovery Method Program.  I participated in the very first program that was offered at Betty Ford and the seed was planted. 

 After my dad’s death, life life took on a new normal. I had lived in San Diego prior to coming to the desert and had decided to stay here in the area to work on my recovery. In 2011 I was hired at the Betty Ford Center and began working in the Alumni Services department, where I was able to support those leaving treatment by helping them navigate their recovery after leaving Betty Ford.  My life was good.  I was living with my mom, helping navigate through a series of health challenges  and was very involved in 12 step meetings and my recovery.

 In January of 2015 I had the first of seven major losses that continued until April of 2019. I lost my only brother to a heart attack at age 60, my favorite aunt, my mom, my job, two sisters- in law (who were like biological sisters) and my dog. With each loss, my grief became more overwhelming.

In 2016, I made the decision to get away from the desert and move to beautiful Central Oregon to the small town of Sisters. There I met John W. James. Was this a coincidence? I think not.

I lived in that small town for two years and soaked up all I could from being around John.  I knew that someday I would be involved with The Grief Recovery Method. While there, I participated in the two day Personal Workshop at the GRM main office. The workshop inspired me further. I started to work on all my losses. I wanted to feel the freedom that comes from being complete with my relationships.

I only lived in Oregon for two years, but I left with gratitude for all that I learned. Now,  I am ready to share this beautiful, life-changing program with others.  Most every day I either talk with someone or hear someone speak about some type of loss and how it is affecting their everyday life. I want to help. I want to share with them that there is hope, there is a solution, and they can and will lead a happy fulfilling life again. I know I am.