How to Run a Grief Support Group

Running a grief support group can be an altruistic thing to do. It also can be part of the healing process for the person or persons who establish it. Though other people try to be empathetic and understanding toward the bereaved, the only person who truly can speak the same language is somebody who has experienced a similar bereavement. Often, the person emerging from a dark period of grief is the one who thinks of starting a support group.

Instructions

• 1

  Decide if the support group should be for a specific cohort of bereaved people. For instance, you might want your group to be specifically for people who have lost a baby, or for people who have lost a spouse. Seek the advice of a professional, such as a bereavement counselor, psychologist or other suitable person, and ask him or her to act as an adviser.

• 2

  Decide on a few simple rules. These might include a member's promise to seek professional help outside of the group, if necessary. You also might develop an outline of how the group is to flow. For example, taking turns to speak and keeping interruptions to a minimum. Decide on a place to meet, perhaps a church hall or community center.

• 3

  Advertise your group. You could announce it on local radio and print leaflets to display in hospitals or doctors' offices in the area. Decide how often you are going to meet. Once or twice a month should be enough. More frequent meetings might encourage people to stay "stuck" in a particular stage of grief.

• 4

  Commit yourself to the group. This is quite a responsibility because some members will, at least for a time, become fairly dependent on the group. For this reason, avoid canceling meetings, unless the weather conditions are extremely bad. Running the group with another person is a good way to share the responsibility.