Thanks for your interest!

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Each week, we meet for approximately 1-2 hours. We begin with the whole group (no more than 12 in person or 9 online) working together and then break into small groups (at least 3) for the more intense work. We start out very general, getting to know each other in order to build trust and a safe space.

There are reading assignments and homework between each session, and that is the key to making these sessions successful. (Books and materials provided by FESM, covered either by fees paid for participation or donations.)  The reading can easily be broken into chunks and the homework can usually be completed in about an hour or so each week. These assignments are vital to success in the program.

After discussing the assignments and getting the assignment for the next week, we open up for questions and dismiss.

Because each week builds on the previous week, and because we are building a safe space and fostering trusting relationships, groups are closed to new participants after week 2. We start out with the basics and get more in-depth and intense as the sessions progress. Although each format differs slightly, I will attempt to lay out a brief overview of what is covered during the program. (This is for the general GRM only, not including Pet Loss and Helping Children with Loss.) 

Introduction to the GRM and the various formats and books available. We review our participation guidelines/commitments. We talk about why one might be participating in this program and the different definitions and causes of grief. We also review some common terms that participants will need to be familiar with to understand the program.

We start with review - since there may be some new people joining this week. We review our commitments and GRM basics. We review and discuss the week's assignment - talking about the alleged stages of grief, common myths and misinformation about grief, and intellectual/spiritual statements we often hear when dealing with grief.

This is where we start to really examine ourselves. We introduce STERBs - Short Term Energy Relieving Behaviors. These are things we do that provide temporary relief or distraction.

Now we're getting a little more intense. We look into our person loss history. We also look at how grief can affect us not just emotionally, but also physically.

Since the homework for Week 4 is reading only, week 5 is a bit of a catch-up week. We spend time wrapping up loss history and how those losses may have affected us. This is the week where we decide what relationship we're going to work out for the remainder of the group.

This is where the intense work really begins. All I can really offer is that THIS is what it's all about! Trust the process!

During this final week, everyone gets to share in the completion of the course. I don't want to give it away, but it is intense, sad, beautiful, heartbreaking, freeing, and any other conflicting feelings you can imagine.