Losing our sense of self-identity is not uncommon when a loved one dies. A person may also experience a loss of self-identity when a loved one’s personality is significantly altered because of a trauma or injury (e.g. brain injury) or a chronic condition (e.g. Alzheimer’s). A few months after my husband was injured, and then again when […]
Read More...Lady Gaga Understands Loss from Bullying
Lady Gaga was criticized for her recent video message to students at the Etobicoke School of the Arts in Toronto, where she stated that bullying should be made into a hate crime. The criticisms include things like, “any message on bullying is good publicity right now – her message is about getting publicity.” A rather […]
Read More...Popeye Isn’t the Only One with Amazing Strength
We know Popeye got his strength from eating spinach. It is true… spinach is a good source of iron and magnesium, which are needed to build muscle. But muscle strength isn’t necessarily the strength others observe in us. Often our true strength shows through our ability to overcome adversity. I consider myself to be an extremely strong person. […]
Read More...What’s a FOO and why is it Important?
FOO stands for Family of Origin. The work that is done in therapy around the Family of Origin is about healing ourselves from past experiences so that we can move forward in life. The issues people need to heal from are vast and can include: Childhood trauma (abuse: physical, sexual, and emotional) Rejection and excessive […]
Read More...No One Knows But You
Songs put us in touch with our feelings and help to give expression to the sorrow we feel inside. One of those songs is No One Knows But You from Beth Nielson Chapman’s CD Sand and Water. It helps me to know that no matter what I am going through, there is someone on the […]
Read More...Group Member Challenges # 3
Group sessions provide an opportunity to socialize; however, that is not the goal of the group. It is okay to share a laugh and lighten up the mood at times, but only when appropriate. Again laughter and developing a sense of humour is not the goal of the group. Initially, participants may find Sarah the Socializer fun […]
Read More...Group Member Challenges # 2
The search for meaning is individual to each of us. It’s not uncommon to question our faith when living with loss. Sometimes people will embrace their faith and it truly carries them through. Others may question their faith and God that such a terrible thing could happen. And others may come to a new sense […]
Read More...Group Member Challenges #1
I obtained my Certificate in Death & Grief Studies with Dr. Alan Wolfelt of the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. He is a brilliant man with incredible insight, passion and compassion. He has worked and taught extensively to those who are grieving. He also works with professionals and has a […]
Read More...Remembrance Day
Today is Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice or Veteran’s Day. It marks the anniversary of when the hostilities of World War 1 ended at 11:00 am on November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month). It is on this day that we honour those who served our country […]
Read More...Nobody’s Story is More Important than Yours
I have had the privilege to work with many individuals after they experienced loss. I meet people every day whose heart has been shattered for one reason or another. I have family members very near and dear to me struggling to accept losses in their life. Not all the losses are a physical death; however, […]
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It is an honor to share my journey through grief with you. Although my story is that ~ my story~ it is important for me to acknowledge that many people shared in the losses that I share here. Each of us had a different experience and each of us grieved and mourned in a unique way. While I empathize and truly shared in the pain of others who were also affected by these tragedies, I can only speak for myself and share...