Grief is a universal experience. Most people will go through the loss of a loved one in their lifetime. Therefore, there are grief groups that are available for people to process grief together and share their stories with one another. So, how do you know if joining a grief group is the right step for you?
Whether or not a grief group is beneficial depends on your specific needs. Additionally, it is important to determine if group follows a grief and loss group curriculum that is rooted in the Gospel when deciding what group you should attend if a group setting is right for you.
Find your preferred way of grieving
For some, grieving with others and sharing their story is very beneficial. For others, they do better grieving in private. Neither way is the only “right” way to grieve. Understanding your comfort levels and what your needs are will help you determine whether or not you would benefit from attending a grief group.
At what point in my grieving process should I join a group?
We do not recommend joining a grief group right after you experience the loss of a loved one. If the grief is still raw, we encouraged you to talk to someone one-on-one and work through some of your initial emotions and thought processes before you attend a grief group. This will allow both you and the other members of your potential grief group to get the most out of each session once you have decided you are ready to join.
How are grief groups helpful?
You can share your story. Grief groups give individuals the opportunity to share their stories with a group of people who have experienced something similar to you. This can help you feel more understood.
You can listen to others share their story. Not only do grief groups provide a safe place to share your story, but you can listen to others share their experiences as well. Listening to others share their stories about grief can help you feel less alone in your struggles.
Find a group led by a church.
There are a lot of grief groups out there led by all kinds of people and organizations. Though secular grief groups aren’t inherently bad, a lot of them can lead you down the wrong path when grieving. Instead, it is important to find a grief group led by a church. These groups can help you see the healing that can take place in Christ and can provide hope for healing in the future.
It is also important to do some research on the type of grief and loss group curriculum that a group follows when deciding on a grief group to attend. A curriculum should be comforting, Christ-centered, and resourceful for group members.
How can I use my grief to minister to others?
Has your involvement in a grief group sparked an interest in becoming a group leader? We can help. At Grief Care Fellowship, we offer a number of resources to help you get started as a group leader, including our Journey in Grief Care Modules, that provide Christian grief counseling training for pastors and grief group leaders.
Contact us, today, if you have any additional questions about grief groups, or if you are interested in our Christian grief counseling training resources.
