After the loss of a close person -parent, spouse, child, friend- your everyday life is utterly changed and the pain you feel is a deep grief which makes everything so difficult to cope with.
In our culture we rush to put a lid on emotions and the natural process that needs to happen to deal with loss and grief. But we can't skip emotional steps! Just burying the feelings will not help us deal with the loss, save the memories of our beloved person, live authentically, or move forward with real freedom. In a culture that often avoids talking about loss, grief support groups give you the opportunity to share your story openly and guilt-free. We all need a support system to help us as we move through our grief journey. While family and friends are vital, they cannot always support us, either because they are struggling to deal with their own grief, or because they simply don’t “get” it. That is where a grief support group can become a valuable resource. Will it help me if I join?It is proved that people who have participated in our group for a few months have felt more in peace with the (painful) grieving process, less lonely, more connected with others and belonging to a group, and they have admitted that they can cope better with their daily life.
We form groups where people can come and share all these painful emotions and get support from peers who have gone through similar experience. Our counselor holds the scientific background and the warm personality to support us through such an overwhelming experience. In our groups, you can find:
We discuss about:-Stages of grief
-Managing flashbacks -Going through the "year of first's" (first Christmas, first holidays, first birthday, etc) -Troubled sleep -Feeling empty -Meaningful rituals -Dealing with grief as an expat -Dealing with depression -Handling holidays -Dealing with the possessions of the loved one -Reinvesting life -Failing to grieve -Complicated grief -Forgiveness -Self-care -Daily demands About our meetingsThe Grief Support Group meets twice a month.
At our meetings we provide positive support in a NON-JUDGMENTAL setting where each member has a chance to discuss the evening's topic or any issue that is relevant to his/her situation. DO NOT FORGET: While death is the end of a relationship, it also provides the opportunity for re-evaluating life and your relationships. Bring only your concerns, questions, open minds and warm hearts! Who are our membersMen and women of all ages who are going through loss, any kind of loss:
--Loss of a spouse --Loss of a parent --Loss of a sibling --Loss of a child Useful Information & RegistrationFEES: 70 euros, monthly membership (two meetings included)
PLACE: Koninginnegracht 101, The Hague NO OF PARTICIPANTS: 6 max. - REGISTER NOW **Your presence means a lot to other people who are counting on your support, so please join us only if you feel attending almost every meeting.** Contact me here for details |
"My mind knows you are in a better place, where there is no pain. You are at peace. I understand that. What other members said"I've recently joined a new Support Group. I didn't know what to expect but each time I have been, I've noticed that there is a healing 'energy' in the room. People share their stories and situations in a safe way. It's a small intimate group, it feels good to have a window to share with others travelling a similarly difficult journey. Vassia who facilitates holds the group in a very talented way. She gives home exercises that are really causing me to be brave and deepen the process of acceptance."
(M., from the Divorce Support Group-Leiden) ~ "Vassia is a skillful, caring, empathetic and assertive counselor. With her energy and her endless will to help, the support group exceeds our expectations." (J., from the Divorce Support Group-Leiden) 
|
Counseling |
|
Workshops |
|
