  | Unresolved grief is the major underlying issue in most people's lives. 
-Bernard McGrane PhD | |
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Grief Recovery® : An action program for moving beyond death, divorce, and other losses
Services:
In the wake of your loss, are you:
- Overwhelmed by feelings of numbness, confusion, or fear?
- Experiencing anger at the person who has died or left you?
- Burdened by guilt or shame whenever you find a moment of happiness?
- Feeling obligated to "be strong" and hide your true feelings?
- Saddened by a sense that your heart has closed down to others?
- Exhausted by your despair and unable to stop crying?
- Unsure how to even begin addressing your grief?
If so, Joan's caring services are right for you:
A counselor with a true calling, Joan combines her expertise in Grief Recovery(R) with great empathy and an open heart. In her safe presence, you find that expressing your vulnerabilities and deepest hurts is a natural and profoundly comforting act.
Your work with Joan begins as a heartfelt invitation to share the circumstances surrounding your loss. Embarking on a proven 12-session program to tenderly guide you through your grief, you explore the myths and misinformation around grieving, the natural tendency to displace your feelings, and the ways in which your lost relationship remains emotionally incomplete for you. In addition to your warm discussions with Joan, you receive home assignments such as reading and journaling to assist you in moving slowly from a place of pain to one of renewed aliveness. Your final work with Joan focuses on bringing completion to your grieving process with a Completion Letter - a step that allows you to release unmet hopes and dreams while still cherishing your fondest memories.
After working with Joan, you may:
- Gain a sense of safety, calm, and insight around your loss.
- Release your anger and allow room for joyful memories to live on within you.
- Understand you can experience happiness while still honoring your loved one.
- Rest in the knowledge that it is natural, normal, and healthy to express your feelings.
- Find yourself once again reaching out to others.
- Experience a sense of aliveness replacing the despair you thought would never end.
- Gain new tools and perspectives to support you throughout your lifetime.
The fundamentals of Grief Recovery(R):
Grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss, yet many of us are never taught effective tools for addressing it. In the wake of a death, divorce, or other type of loss, it is common for us to seek protection by isolating ourselves or hiding our feelings. Because unresolved grief negatively impacts our physical and emotional well-being, it is important to find effective ways of addressing both our emotions and the unfinished business we have with our loved one. Grief Recovery® does this by exploring the myths about grief while helping us uncover the truths about our lost relationships. As a result, we are able to experience the sense of completion that allows us to say good-bye while holding onto our happy memories.
Testimonials
"When I came to grief counseling, I was full of emotions and confusion. I didn't know what to do. My homework between sessions helped me focus and define my losses. Joan helped me understand that even though I was scared and fearful at times, nothing bad was happening to me and that my feelings were natural and normal. She helped me so much."
Ruth Burns, Seattle, WA
"I came to Joan because other counselors had given up on me. Joan patiently worked with me and helped me unravel my sad feelings. I made progress so slowly, sometimes it was one step forward and two steps backward. But Joan always had information to help me at just the right time. My life is finally so much better."
Nancy Taylor, Bellevue, WA
"When I came to my first session I was suspicious of counselors. I was also very angry and confused. Other counselors had issues they didn't want me to talk about because they made them uncomfortable. Joan was able to talk about my issues without getting upset or nervous. She was always very calm and very supporting of me."
John Rosen, Seattle, WA
Education, Training, and Credentials:
- Grief Recovery Specialist Certification, The Grief Recovery Institute; MA in Psychology, Antioch College; BA in Liberal Arts, Evergreen State College
- In practice since 1996
Articles:
"The Grief Recovery Handbook", by John W. James and Russell Friedman
"When Children Grieve", by John W. James and Russell Friedman with Dr. Leslie Landon Matthews
"Companion Through the Darkness", by Stephanie Ericsson
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