
Simply defined, grief is the normal and natural reaction to significant emotional loss of any kind.
However, while grief is normal and natural, most of the information passed on within our society about dealing with grief is not normal, natural or helpful. Grief is the emotional response to loss, but most of the information we have learned about dealing with loss is intellectual.
SIX MYTHS ABOUT GRIEF
Time Heals All Wounds
"Just give it a month, it will get better."
Grieve Alone
"You just need time to yourself."
Be Strong
"Hang in there and be strong for the family."
Don't Feel Bad
"Don't cry..."
Replace the Loss
"You'll be dating someone else in no time. Don't worry about it."
Keep Busy
"Life goes back to normal if you keep yourself busy."
Many of these myths are all too familiar and often come to us from very well-intended sources, but unfortunately they do little to heal a broken heart. Just looking at the myth that "time heals" creates the idea that a person just has to wait and then they will feel better. We have known people who have waited ten, twenty, thirty and forty years yet still never felt better. And they may tell you that not only did time not heal them but it actually compounded the pain. All the myths carry equally unhelpful messages.
A Broken Heart Can be Healed
The Grief Recovery Method is an action-oriented program held in a safe environment which allows you to look at your old beliefs about dealing with loss, which losses have affected your life and take actions that lead you to complete unresolved emotions that may still cause you pain.
With a 7-Week One on One Program you will be guided through reading and writing assignments outlined in The Grief Recovery Handbook - 20th Anniversary Expanded Edition, written by John W. James and Russell Friedman, founders of The Grief Recovery Institute.
The key to your success in this program hinges on your willingness to apply yourself to the weekly homework assignments designed to help you move beyond loss.


Could you be grieving and not know it?
There are over 43 losses can produce the range of emotions we call grief.

Loss is a part of Life, but suffering is optional.
Free e-book compliments of The Grief Recovery Institute
www.griefrecoverymethod.com/e-books/guide-for-loss
learn more at www.griefrecoverymethod.com
Loss of Health/Change in Body
medical conditions, illnesses, pain, disability, debilitating or terminal diseases, mental capacities, aging, loss of body part from surgery or accident
Loss of Control/Safety
natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, social conditions, hospitalization, rape, robbery, betrayal, sexual or physical abuse, unanticipated events, crises, traumatic event
Loss of Freedom
political, employment, incarceration, stigmatized disease
Loss of Home
moving, natural or man-made disasters, aging, homelessness
Loss of Identity or Life Roles
marriage, career, empty nest, retirement, relationship
Loss of Important Object(s)
favorite objects, family heirlooms destroyed in fire, flood, theft
Loss of Independence
change in living situation, entering nursing home, marriage, having a child
Loss of Job and/or Income
downsizing, layoffs, retirement, career change
Loss of Life
death, suicide, illness, accident, homicide, murder, war, loss of pets, missing person
Loss of Hopes & Dreams
divorce, miscarriage, adoption, infertility, relationship, job, career
Loss of Relationship
death, divorce, separation, illness, adoption, miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth
Loss of Religious Beliefs
questioning beliefs, disillusioned with church