Starting February 15, a new grief counseling support group will be offered on campus for students who have suffered the loss of a close friend or family member.
Ann O' Connor, a licensed Social Worker for the Kent Hospice Foundation, decided to create the group, and is volunteering her time every Thursday as the group's bereavement counselor.
To explain why she created the group, O'Connor said, "The number of students who have suffered a loss of a friend or family member is amazing.
I've learned this from being a counselor at the health center."I realized that there was a need here and I could offer a service for the students. I've seen how well support groups have worked, and that's really how this came about."
O'Connor has positive expectations for the group's effects on students.
"It's amazing. Once people have been to the group, just being with people who understand how they feel has a positive effect," said O'Connor.
She added, "Our society doesn't talk about death. People who have suffered a loss can sometimes feel very isolated, and they're on an emotional roller coaster. [The support group] will help students be able to help each other during the grieving process."
Sophomore Laura Walter, who plans on attending the sessions, also feels positively about the group.
"I think it'll be good for people," said Walter. "For me, it can be hard to talk to people not going through the same thing. Getting together with people who have had the same experience is easier."
Walter also has the same hopes as O'Connor for the group."I think it might give people a chance to open up and talk about (their losses)," said Walter.
She continued: "After having a big loss, people can feel lonely and isolated, especially when there are other concerns. [The support group] will make you feel like you're not alone and that there are other people dealing with the same things."
The grief support group will hold several spiritual and educational sessions, including "Understanding Grief," "Remembering," "Memorializing," and "Stress and Coping."
Some of the activities the group will engage in will include sharing pictures, telling stories, and participating in encouraged homework assignments geared towards helping in the grieving process.
The grief support group will be held every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., starting February 15, in Goldstein Hall, room 209. Anyone who has suffered a loss of a family member or a close friend is encouraged to attend.
Said O'Connor, "I realize that [coming to the group] is a difficult step for anyone to take. I understand that it may not be for everyone, but from experience I've had with other bereavement groups, I feel that anyone who is grieving will benefit from attending."
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