How to Lead a Bereavement Support Group

When leading a bereavement support group, it's important to allow the members to grieve at their own paces because everyone grieves differently, and for some it may take longer than others. Also do more listening than talking because you want to give members all the time they need to express their thoughts on how they feel during this time. Finally, stay away from making suggestions that they're not ready to accept at the moment because you don't want to control the grieving process.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid overly personal questions. This is important because this could create distrust between you and the group members. Just let the members discuss their pain and facilitate the conversation by asking appropriate questions based on what they're saying.

• 2

  Offer materials for the group. If you have some pamphlets or books that would help the members survive the grieving process, give the materials to the members as sources of encouragement when they're not at the meetings. Also give them important phone numbers of neighborhood clinics or other mental health agencies in the area where they can get further assistance.

• 3

  Take the group on activities. Be sure that the places you choose are not places that will be too painful for some of the members because they remind them of deceased loved ones or friends. Ask them what activities they're interested in and have an outing once a week or once a month depending on how often you meet.