The Long Grief Journey

As a psychotherapist for over thirty years I’ve counseled hundreds of people experiencing long-term grief and sudden loss, including those whose loved ones died during the 911 attacks. However, one of the most deeply felt experiences of all has been the result of leading the Loss of a Loved One support group I started in January of 2023. The stories I’ve heard from members are as varied as fingerprints—suicide, cancer, medical malpractice, drowning, loss of an infant, an adult child, husband, ex-husband, beloved grandmother, aunt and many others. When asked if I leave the group feeling depressed or hopeless I respond that I often feel uplifted by witnessing the support that members offer each other, and by the resilience and growth I observe in the room. No, I don’t go home feeling hopeless–I leave feeling inspired.