Stages of Forming a Grief Group - Research Paper Example

? Forming a Grief Group Grief counseling in groups has proved to be an effective and successful procedure in assisting the transition of bereaved individuals to normal life due to reasons such as the provision of emotional assistance and the establishment of a network of support that constitutes of participants who have gone through similar experiences. Nonetheless, participation in grief groups does not guarantee successful recovery from grief unless the group has been initiated after conducting extensive research and background planning. This research paper explores the phases and stages of planning, screening and decision making that precede the formation of grief groups. Dedicated sections of the paper focus on assessing aspects related to group purpose, group format, group structure and group logistics. Furthermore, the internal matters regarding group formation such as leadership and management styles are also discussed. The analysis in the paper is based on the examinations of specialized grief groups such as art-based grief groups for teenagers, strength-based grief groups for children and groups for individuals who have experienced ambiguous loss amongst others. Introduction Psychological methods, treatments and assessments into the procedures for coping with grief have been a topic of major concern for researchers and psychologists alike. However, the most critical aspect of these observations relates to the dimensions of grief, loss and bereavement that vary from person to person. According to Worden (2009) grief counseling can also be performed within groups because of a range of reasons that suggest and confirm that this method is an effective procedure for meeting the objectives of bereavement counseling. However, a critical distinction that must be made when assessing the nature and nuances of grief support is that the initiation of this procedure is dependent upon several factors that are associated with the bereaved and what type of support he/she seeks. As Aaron et al. (2009) note that the logistics for dealing with grief and loss indeed vary, for example “murder can result in an even more complicated grief, a grief that feels especially unexpected and unnatural”. Similarly, given the present global scenario and political situation where the war on terror has claimed the lives of thousands of soldiers, family members may feel that the death of their loved one has been “unfair” which further escalates their sense of loss and sorrow (Aaron et al. 2009). Sanders et al. (2008) highlight the fact that grief is not always a consequence of loss, death and separation but can also be enhanced by suffering from an experience that causes severe emotional and physical stress. This type of grief is most observable amongst those individuals who are participating in a care giving experience by acting as care givers for sufferers of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and related dementia (Sanders et al. 2008). Boss (2010) understands that this scenario can be described through the concept of ambiguous loss whereby, the physical presence of a patient cannot compensate for their psychological absence. This situation often implies that the family of the patient cannot find solace even in death because the emotional connection with the patient is long gone. Therefore, as feelings of confusion and loss ensue following the death of the patient, ambiguous loss causes grief and emotions to freeze (Boss 2010), the recovery from which can be even more challenging for an individual who had assumed the role of a care giver. With regards to the observations that have been conducted on the experience of grief that individuals go through when fulfilling the role of a care giver, research such as the one conducted by Chiu et al. (2010) shows that for care givers of patients suffering from terminal cancer the determinants and dimensions of grief are in fact different. Furthermore, the multifaceted nature of grief counseling is also reflective in the varying procedures that are adopted by psychologists and researchers in assisting young victims of grief and loss. According to Eppler (2008) the strategies of grief counseling for children who have experienced the death of a parent play a highly critical in their recovery. Furthermore, these procedures must be carefully looked upon and considered by school counselors and teachers who initiate programs for bereaved children. Similarly, the methods of grief recovery that should be executed for teenagers should take into account their unique needs. This notion is reflected in Fraser’s (2010) research on art-based groups for teenagers who have experienced loss. Keeping in view the broad scope of the research, the subsequent sections of this paper shall discuss the formation of grief groups within the context of the bereaved individuals who have experienced different loss. This observation postulates that individuals who have suffered from grief expect and demand different outcomes from grief counseling through their participation in grief groups. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to outline, assess and examine the significant perspectives on grief group formation in greater depth. Grief Group Purpose According to Worden (2009) the procedure which precedes the formation, establishment and execution of grief groups must be undertaken by concerned individuals in an effective manner. Therefore, the foremost question that must be answered at the initial stage relates to the purpose of the formation of the grief group and what objectives it aims to achieve and serve upon its establishment. Worden (2009) outlines the key purposes of grief groups as: provision of emotional support, educational and academic purposes and interactive or social purposes. George et al. (2009) add that with regards to the grief groups that are established for serving the spouses of soldiers who have died in combat, the counseling process essentially serves a core purpose that is focused towards a specific group of individuals. Similarly, the core purpose of grief groups that are developed within the school to assist the recovery of children who have dealt with the death of a parent is to assist their transition to a healthy and normal life (Eppler 2008). An important consideration with regards to the purpose of grief groups is that a change in their purpose is possible, such that the evolution of grief groups implies that social workers and individuals working behind the functioning of the grief group may choose to alter their objectives depending on the situation of the bereaved and their stage of recovery (Worden 2009). Group Structure The group structure can be categorized in two distinct classifications: open-ended grief groups and close ended grief groups (Worden 2009). The selected structure of the group governs its functioning, such that in open-ended grief groups the period of disbanding is not defined by social workers and the group continues to operate while, participants continue to enter and exit as their individual needs are met (Worden 2009). Consequently, the period of existence for close ended groups is defined and decided before their initiation and individuals continue to enter and exit through the course of the group’s progress (Worden 2009). Fraser (2010) notes that the decision to choose one group structure over the other depends upon the specific purpose of the group and what it aims to achieve as a consequence of its establishment. In the case of art-based grief groups which are initiated as a mode of expression for grieving adolescents, the needs of the bereaved can be classified under various categories such as conquering feelings of isolation or looking for an outlet to express suppressed emotions (Fraser 2010). Additionally, the selection of group structure can also be conducted after assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. For example, the fact that open-ended groups do not have a designated period of ending can act as a drawback because social workers and psychologists may experience difficulty in updating incoming members with the progress of the group (Worden 2009). Deciding Group Logistics According to Worden (2009) group logistics is a broad and extensive topic that must be assessed thoroughly in order to ensure that the objectives of the grief group are met effectively. Grief group logistics can be classified as the number of meetings to be held, how long the meetings are expected to last, the location and timings of meetings and the costs that will be incurred in terms of conducting the sessions and calling meetings of participants. Additionally, group logistics also include the compilation and recording of data and information about participants who wish to participate in grief counseling sessions. Selecting and Managing Group Participants As discussed in previous sections of the paper, understanding the nature of the loss and grief that an individual is experiencing is critical to successfully meeting the objectives of grief counseling through the formation of grief groups. According to George (2009) the demands of spouses who have lost their other halves to war are not similar to the demands of other individuals from grief counseling. This notion is echoed in several researches which aim to comprehend the dimensions of unnatural deaths caused by murder or war. In such instances the loved ones of the deceased feel that they have been wronged or that the death of their loved one is unfair. Another category of participants that could benefit from grief groups are caregivers of patients of Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Sanders et al. (2008) notes that while it is certain that the care giving experience is associated with stress and depression, it should also be acknowledged that caring for patients of Alzheimer’s and related dementia brings about a sense of grief that much of the literature on the subject fails to highlight. Developing the notion of grief in caregivers, Boss (2010) assesses the concept of ambiguous loss and its implications on the subject, claiming that the physical presence and emotional absence of a loved one carries with itself mixed emotions that cannot be addressed by the means of conventional methods due to the complexity of the grief. As Worden (2009) states, “a key factor in making a group work is the selection of its members”. Therefore, the aspect of homogeneity in grief groups postulates that individuals who have experienced bereavement of a similar nature should be made a part of a grief group that exclusively addresses their needs. Consequently, another factor that must be kept under consideration during the selection of participants for grief group formation is how recently they have suffered from the loss of a loved one (Worden 2009). The importance of this factor can be comprehended by observing the level of assistance that older members of the grief group can provide to those who have joined the group recently in terms of emotional and moral support. Initial Phases of Grief Group Formation Several researches have highlighted the importance of the initial phases of grief group formation in which group leaders are expected to put in unparalleled efforts to ensure that the group is able to achieve its objectives in the future. George et al. (2009) understand that the first three sessions of a grief group are critical to its future success. Therefore, group leaders must make certain that during the course of these meetings participants are thoroughly able to comprehend the purposes, objectives and goals of the group. Furthermore, by the end of these three sessions participants should ideally be able to share their experiences of grief and loss with each other to some extent if not completely and the group leader should successfully be able to establish an environment of productivity, openness and collaboration (George et al. 2009). Moreover, Worden (2009) adds that during the beginning phase of grief group formation, leaders must communicate and set participants’ expectations to avoid a sense of disappointment and dissatisfaction that may emerge if an individual’s requirements from grief counseling are not met successfully. Fraser (2010) recommends that facilitators should encourage group participants to interact and communicate in an open and informal environment in order to understand introductory topics and establish ground rules that are to be followed as the grief group progresses. However, Worden (2009) suggests that the establishment of ground rules is a duty that should be fulfilled by the group leader in order to provide a sense of direction to group participants and define the course of discussions or sessions. Defining Leadership Styles and Group Management Approach The appropriateness of selected leadership styles and group management approaches that should be adopted by facilitators who are responsible for screening participants and conducting sessions is largely dependent upon the nature of the group participants. Within the context of art-based groups for bereaved teenagers, Fraser (2010) recommends the initiation of a facilitator debriefing to cover a range of topics which include discussions on distributing responsibilities, sharing duties and choosing leadership styles that are compatible to the needs and requirements of the group and its participants. Accordingly, the adoption of leadership styles for the management of strength-based small grief groups varies greatly as asserted by Eppler (2008) whose findings are related to grief groups that are based in schools. Eppler (2008) observes that leaders of such groups should focus on designing and conducting multiple activities to assist a child’s emotional and psychological development. Unlike in art-based grief groups for teenagers, children process grief in a different manner and might not respond positively to outlets of expression or encouragement from a mentor. Henceforth, the group management and leadership approach for children should be directed towards exploring the inner conflicts and grief issues being faced by the participants. By understanding and categorizing feelings and emotions of sadness, hope, anger, fear, loneliness and happiness, leaders can encourage children to explore their own mental state while observing the emotional development of participants (Eppler 2008). Consequently, strength-based grief support programs for children aim to revive a participant’s sense of positivity regarding their self by the commencement of group activities that ask children to explore their strengths (Eppler 2008). This approach towards group management requires leaders to act as a source of guidance, mentorship and support for children whose grief is categorized by feelings of loneliness and the presence of a void after the demise of a parent. Conclusion Worden (2009) commends the adoption of grief counseling in groups because of the effectiveness of the procedure in reviving the emotional state of individuals who have suffered loss. The ideology behind grief counseling through the formation of grief groups is based on the establishment of a network of support and relations amongst individuals who have experienced similar loss. The success of the grief groups is based on numerous factors that have been addressed in prior sections of the paper. This notion postulates that grief counseling is a multifaceted concept that cannot be understood or expounded upon from a single perspective. Therefore, it is critical to the success of grief groups that leaders, facilitators and medical professionals acknowledge, realize and understand that each and every participant belongs to a different background and comes with a different story. Henceforth, researches that are based on grief groups should not conform to a generalized approach and instead aim to explore the unique requirements of bereaved individuals who seek a successful transition into normal life as an outcome of their participation in a grief group. References Boss, P. (2010). The trauma and complicated grief of ambiguous loss. Pastoral Psychology, 59(2), 137-145. Chiu, Y. W., Huang, C. T., Yin, S. M., Huang, Y. C., Chien, C. H., & Chuang, H. Y. (2010). Determinants of complicated grief in caregivers who cared for terminal cancer patients. Supportive care in cancer, 18(10), 1321-1327. Eppler, C. (2008). Exploring themes of resiliency in children after the death of a parent. Professional School Counseling, 11(3), 189-196. Fraser, K. M. (2010). Expressions of grief: an arts-based group program for teens (Doctoral dissertation, Lethbridge, Alta.: University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, c2010). George, A. J., Elliott, A., Jennings, J., Cleland, K., & Brown, M. (2009) Grief Support Group for Spouses of Deceased Iraq War Veterans. Where Reflection &Practice Meet The Changing Nature of Social Work: Towards Global Practice. Sanders, S., Ott, C. H., Kelber, S. T., & Noonan, P. (2008). The experience of high levels of grief in caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Death Studies, 32(6), 495-523. Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief counseling and grief therapy: A handbook for the mental health practitioner. springer publishing Company. Read More