Facilitator Resources

W A L K I N G   W I T H   F A I T H   T H R O U G H   G R I E F   &   L O S S Week One:    Small group discussion (45 minutes) Topic: The Experience of Grief The purpose of this week’s session is to allow participants to meet each other,…

What should I be watching for in my group members that might be evidence of distress or “at risk” behavior? If a member communicates persistent thoughts of suicide, or serious intent to complete suicide, or talks about a specific suicide plan If a member attempts to participate in the group and is clearly under the influence of a drug or…

As Members Arrive Cultivate an environment of positive encouragement, engagement, and conversation As people arrive virtually, welcome them into the gathering Greet arrivals with a personal welcome - say their name Engage in conversation around common interest   Focus the Gathering Begin within 5 minutes of the start time Bring a focus by getting everyone's attention If there are new…

Less helpful “God doesn’t give you any more than you can handle” “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” “You need to be strong like your mother” “You need to be strong for your mother, children, etc.” “Be strong and you’ll get through it” More helpful “It sounds like this is really hard” “How are you doing with all this?”…

THE TALKER This person has something to say about what everyone else says and talks frequently but really does not have much to say    THE VICTIM The victim or the “poor me” person tells a number of sad stories and usually with added drama that people know is beyond the real story. They also often speak with a squeaky…

When a participant in the group dominates discussion, responds or reacts to every comment, or attempts to guide or control the group.   1) Maintain control of the group Do not allow the overpowering group member to have control of the group Carefully re-direct the discussion to allow other group members to participate 2) Continue to review the community guidelines…

The Five F’s tools to help you understand group members Facts name, loss, occupation, interests, time since loss, emotional impact of loss Family family of origin, spouse & children, extended family, complex family dynamics Faith faith background, spiritual vs religious, spiritual pain, level of support from faith Fears anger, anxiety or worry, permanence of grief, will anything be the same,…

Good questions are open-ended. A person can answer "yes" or "no" without engaging his or her brain. On the other hand, an open-ended question compels people to think about the facts of a text, or the situation.

Everyone goes through the grief process differently. Some experience phases of grief more powerfully than others. What aspects of shock that we have talked about best describe you? What did/does the “shock” phase look like for you?

Ask good starter questions. Don’t be afraid of silence. Silence gives people time to think and process. Consider calling on someone to answer. Absolutely control your desire to make a speech or tell a story about yourself.