Grief Support Program to Begin Thursday at Missouri Delta

SIKESTON — Grieving residents in the Sikeston community have a new place to turn to for support.

“I think everybody has grief in their lives,” said Sandy Robison, director of social services for MDMC. “We all have grief we have to deal with. Some people cope well with that, and some get stuck in their grief.”

An eight-session grief support program begins Thursday at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. The sessions will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and consist of the same members over a 16-week period. The groups will be small containing at least four people but not more than 10.

Currently, the program, which is based on Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s model for grief and loss, is offered to only adults at this time.  Wolfelt is an internationally noted author, educator and grief counselor. He serves as director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition and is on the faculty at the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine.
“Dr. Wolfelt says in our society, we are not comfortable with grief, and he talks about companioning someone in their grief to help them cope with their feelings of loss,” Robison said.

She continued: “It’s not about getting over grief. You’re walking with someone through their grief rather than trying to fix it.”

Robison, who attended a weeklong grief support training last month conducted by Wolfelt at his Center for Loss in Fort Collins, Colo., said the loss the MDMC group will focus on will be over the loss of a loved one.
What makes this support group unique is that it provides continuing education and includes the same people throughout the 16 weeks, Robison said.

“I think it’s a much-needed service in the community,” the social worker said.

Facilitating the program with Robison is Melissa Merideth, who has a master’s degree in social work.
Besides discussion taking place in the meetings, participants can also expect to use some reading guides that coordinate with Wolfelt’s book, “Understanding Your Grief.” Topics addressed include misconceptions about grief; exploring feelings of loss; understanding the needs of mourning; reaching out for help; and seeking reconciliation and not resolution.

Anyone who wants to participate in the group should first contact Robison.
“I would want to know what their loss was, how long ago it was, what they’re experiencing now, what their concerns are, if they have any,” Robison said.

The ideal time for attending this group is five months or longer after the significant loss. The grief is so raw initially that people need some time before participating in a group, Robison said.  However, there’s really no set time frame for grieving, Robison said. She encouraged anyone who wants assistance in coping with the loss of their loved one to contact her about the group.

“It takes a lot of courage to seek help or support,” she added.

Those interested in participating in the group should contact Robison at (573) 472-7441 for reservations.