UKIAH, CA., 8/28/24 — Grieving takes many forms and can affect people differently. About all one can say is that attempting to “power” through it to get to the other side does not work. Hospice of Ukiah is starting a Grief Recovery Support Group for eight Thursdays in a row, starting September 5. The free group is for anyone who has lost a friend, relative or loved one — in the immediate past or at an earlier time. The hospice’s Grief and Bereavement Counselor, Kay Lieberknecht, will facilitate the course.
The course, says Lieberknecht, is non-denominational and is designed to address the many issues faced by individuals to what can be an overwhelming array of emotional and physical responses to a death.
“Grief can be very complicated, and the course is based very much around the needs of the particular people who attend,” says Lieberknecht. “There is definitely a bonding that takes place between participants, so we ask people to commit to coming to every session. This isn’t a drop-in group. If you are not able to make at least seven of the eight sessions, it would be better to save your commitment for another time.”
Lieberknecht was a registered nurse when she was originally exposed to the work of death and dying. “I was a visiting RN and was honored to accompany people and their families through their transition time into death — a deeply important time in their lives. I went through training to be a hospice nurse when my daughter was killed in a car accident. That experience left me with a desire to reach out even more. I discovered that the aftermath following death is very important.”
The group will make agreements about confidentiality, being good listeners and being supportive to others. There will be light “homework” assignments that will involve keeping a grief journal.
Pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact Kay Lieberknecht at (707) 391-1917 or phone the Hospice of Ukiah office at (707) 462-4038.