Guest Author - Rev. Jackie OŽNeal S.T.M.
Dr. Gary R. Collins in his book CHRISTIAN COUNSELING, explained the complexity of the grieving process. He asserted that each individual type of grief has a corresponding kind of suffering and reaction. He notes that pathological grief responses can occur when the grief is denied or delayed. Further, when the loss is sudden or unexpected, or when the mourner has been completely dependent upon the deceased (as in the case of children or teens who lose parents), the grief reactions are more powerful and can include: depression accompanied by guilt and low self-esteem, impulsive behavior, anti-social behavior, hosility and moodiness among others symptoms.
Emilio Parga, founder of The Solace Tree ( http://www.solacetree.org), a non-profit dedicated to serving the needs of children, teens and adults in nothern Nevada, strives to be a resource in his community for persons who are going through the grieving process. The process in general, can be long-term and counseling can offer much needed support to the mourner.
The Solace Tree provides individuals with coping strategies during the grieving process through several programs targeted towards children, teens and adults: Grief camp, Kids Can Cope Program for Children living with a terminally- ill relative, Children's Bereavement Network,Family Counseling and a lending library with over 2,000 books on grieving and loss.
Parga's interactive book A MEMORY BOOK FOR CHILDREN (ISBN# 1-56123-201-7) helps encourage discussion of the mourner's relationship with the deceased through creative writing , and exploration of photographs as catalysts for expressing greif and loss via the creation of simple photo-journals.
For children, the creative activities noted can be invaluable tools towards supporting the healing process.
The Solace Tree's four principles resonate with Dr. Collin's insights as follows: grief is the natural reaction to the death of a loved one, the process and duration of grief is different for each individual, the healing process involves acceptance.
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