Grief Support Group
The goal of this group is to provide support to those going through grief no matter how old or new. Whether your loss is recent or 10 years ago, this space is for you. Grief doesn’t have a set timer on when it ends, but rather is incorporated into your life.. This will be a space for you to share your story and feelings and listen to others as well.
About the event
Rebecca Poulsen, an expat from the USA, is hosting a grief support group at IHL. During her time in Belgium, she has had her fair share of losses. From losing her father suddenly, a niece unexpectedly, a grandmother, a friend, and family pets, she has learned a lot about grief.
I hope this space will provide some comfort and connection to those going through a difficult loss.
NOTE: Rebecca is not a certified therapist but will moderate this group and create space for people to share their stories. While not a therapist herself, she has attended many therapy sessions and has gained a number of skills when it comes to dealing and managing grief. She hopes to share these skills with those that attend the group.
We will be limiting this group to 10 people (at least to start) so that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts. If there is a high demand for this group, I will consider increasing the amount of meetings each month so that others may also participate.
By attending this group, you are not obligated to share your story. If you wish to come and simply listen, this space is for you. You only need to share your story when you feel comfortable and ready.
When
Monthly - always from 18:00-20:00. You can see the themes of each session below. Registration via the red buttons below!
| August 28 | This grief group we will meet at Park Abbey at the Parkwegbrug where we'll walk around in nature and discuss grief. We will specifically be visiting the Aedicula sculpture, a place meant to be for silence and reflection. It can be a nice place to go when you want to grieve or think about your passed loved ones. Bring good walking shoes and water. |
| September 11 | Show and Tell with an object relating to a past loved one. This can be something you were given by the person who has passed or something that reminds you of them. You can also bring a photo of the person to share to go along with the object. We'll spend time during this grief group talking about the person who has passed. What significance does the object hold for you? What do you miss about them? What do you wish you could tell them? Let's learn about our past loved ones and remember them together. |
| October 20 | Location to be determined (see meetup event for updates): Graveyard tour to learn about getting a headstone for a loved one that has passed and different activities Leuven does to support grievers (star children in Dec, light walk in Dec, etc.) |
| November 24 | Writing letters – this grief group, we'll write letters to our passed loved ones. What do you want to tell them? Are you sad they are gone? Angry? At peace? If you feel comfortable reading your letter you can read it to the group. |
| December 15 | Holiday food gathering – let's share food together to celebrate the holidays. We can talk about traditions we had with our passed loved ones, food they would make, traditions they upheld, what we miss most about sharing the holiday with them all while we share yummy food together. |
Where
International House Leuven
Price
Free
