Testimonials For Support Groups
The program was awesome
Support Groups05/03/2019
In five years, my husband of thirty years left our marriage, my mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer and died, I learned my son had an addiction to heroin and he died of an overdose, my father died two years later. It was a rough few years! I have three adult children who were struggling, I kicked into high gear and forged on. When a friend recommended the program I was hesitant. 12 weeks seemed crazy. I had done traditional counseling and thought I was fine. The weight continued I spoke to Mike and immediately felt like I was suppose to do this program. It wasn’t easy but it has literally changed the way I look at life. I have done the initial class and two subsequent classes. I feel like I understand grief and how it can steer my life.
Support Groups05/03/2019Participant in Cincinnati , Ohio
It made me see things differently than I had before. It really opened my eyes. I got to work through something I didn’t even know that I needed to work through. It was a wonderful thing.
Support Groups05/03/2019
The program made me aware of aspects of grief that I had already experienced and other aspects I’d yet come to terms with. The program gives not only permission to grieve but how to cope with the grief of not only myself, but of others. Compassion and empathy I believe should live together.
Support Groups05/02/2019
Support Groups05/02/2019
Thank you-- I found the program to be very helpful to me to better understand grief and how best to allow myself to move on.
Support Groups05/02/2019
I was extremely pleased with the facilitators and how they instructed our meetings. My problem was with the actual content of the program. Although I agreed with many of the points made there were many I disagree with and feel will cause some people more harm then good. I strongly agree that Forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person and is an action, not a feeling. One of my problems is in chapter 8, first paragraph where it states, "Since we have ALL been socialized from early on to deal with sad, painful, and negative emotions INCORRECTLY,....." That is very presumptive and arrogant of the writers to think that everyone was taught wrong and that they are the only ones who know how to handle grief. It has been 25 years since my parents were murdered. I believe I made it through because of the wonderful way that I was taught and handled things the way that was needed. Also in chapter 8 it is implied that everyone is either given food or told to ignore their grief. This also is not true. I was blessed with parents that sat and talked with me when there was a problem and helped me work it out. They did not ignore it or tell me I should not be feeling that way or give me food or anything else to take me mind off it. It was dealt with. Saying that we have all been taught to bottle up our feelings is wrong. I am sure some people were taught that, but not everyone. One of my other big problems was with the relationship graph. Dredging things up from the past just so you can forgive someone or apologize for something that is long since finished is not helpful; I feel it only causes more pain. Someone like me who was taught correctly to handle things when they happened has already dealt with these things so do not need to bring them up again, that is just asking for trouble. I also disagree with you saying not to touch someone and not to respond to their statements. I am sure I am not the only one that feels that when someone reaches out and touches me when I am sharing something so important means they are actually listening and at least in a small way understanding what I am saying. Also some small words of comfort are wanted not frowned upon. I think your book is a great starting point but think it would be better if you did not just assume everyone was taught incorrectly. You made lots of good points that I have thankfully, already learned along my journey. As one of the other members of my group so wonderfully said, I joined this group to add more tools to my life. Tools to use to help myself and loved ones to get through the hard times. I am very glad I attended these meetings because I made some new friends.
Support Groups04/30/2019Participant in Bridgeton, NJ
By the end of the program, I felt much more at peace. I continue to read about grief (The Courage To Grieve) and found that we did everything suggested which solidifyed the program for me.. This book also mentioned so many uncharacteristic feelings I experienced, that I wasn't sure about these issues when they occurred. (ie: fear and worry, panic attacks, etc). It was helpful to learn these things are common experiences.
Support Groups04/30/2019Participant in Vail, CO
Support Groups04/30/2019Participant in Huntersville, NC
This is an effective tool to help me help others dealing with grief in the future. For myself, it helped me revisit some past memories/ relationships, and I have a tool to use for myself if necessary.
Support Groups04/30/2019Participant in Murray, Kentucky
This program has allowed me to accept what I cannot change, to let go of issues and continue to live life.
Support Groups04/30/2019Participant in Huntersville , Nc
Support Groups04/30/2019Participant in huntersville, north carolina
Support Groups04/30/2019Participant in Huntersville, NC
After 34 years I never thought I would be able to release the anger, hate & pain from my father. But when I did I was exhausted, proud, relieved and so blessed. I would recommend this class with this facilitator to anyone and everyone. Thank you for this opportunity.
Support Groups04/30/2019
Better understanding of grieving process.
Support Groups04/30/2019
The course made me aware and helped me face many unresolved aspects of grief that I couldn't recognize or deal with on my own. Initially, I didn't want to go but I thought it might help--so I went and stayed with it. It was a highly beneficial and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to share with others. Sharing sorrow with those who are experiencing it themselves, eases the burden of it. The course marked a positive turning point in my journey through sorrow.
Support Groups04/29/2019Participant in Mesa Banner Hospice - Banner Gateway Medical Center, AZ
Amazing. This process gave me some very thought-provoking insight into the process of coping with profound personal loss. So helpful in recognizing the steps to deal with future loss and completing loss that has already occurred in my life. I am so glad I had to opportunity to feel the safe support of the facilitator and the people participating in the group. Thank you!
Support Groups04/28/2019Participant in Salt Lake City, UT
The program helped me describe and connect with my emotions which were usually buried deep. I am able to convey my emotions to my wife which has helped our relationship immensely I was able to shed some emotional baggage that was weighing down my life Thanks
Support Groups04/28/2019Participant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Support Groups04/28/2019Participant in Philadelphia , Pa
Support Groups04/28/2019Participant in philadelphia , PA
I have been Suffering from Caregiving for 3 Family Members in a Row. Way Too Much. My Brothers Refused To Help me so I Followed a Path For Caregiving Assistance. I met the Public Health Nurse in our Community Suzanne Zaw. Since I was Born with a Extreme Birth Disorder She Recognized My Need For Assistance. I have Klippell-Trenaurnay or K/T. I’m debilitated with no. Healing wounds for 56 yrs and yet I was expected by my 2 Brothers To “ Just Do The Caregiving !” It Broke my Health and my Spirit for Living Life. I walked away from my last Caregiving of my Father as the Verbal Abuse became Unbearable for me Any Longer. This Caused a Very Large Financial Loss for me and I am Still Struggling Daily because my Father Removed Me from the Family with Breaking the 2011 FAMILY TRUST. Giving Everything to the 2 Brothers. My Mother was my 2nd Caregiving and She Died April 20, 2016 and My World Crashed.
Support Groups04/27/2019Participant in Kailua-Kona , Hawaii
Support Groups04/26/2019Participant in Indianapolis, IN
Support Groups04/26/2019
Support Groups04/25/2019Participant in Provo, Utah