Table of Contents

Introduction. 1. Setting Up a Bereavement Support Group. 2. Thinking About Facilitating a Group. 3. Different Groups that Operate. 4. Managing Dynamics in the Group. 5. Pitfalls Along the Way. Conclusion. Appendix 1. An Example of a Support Group Three Fold Leaflet. Appendix 2. An Example of an Evaluation Questionnaire. Appendix 3. An Example of a Facilitator's Record. References. Further Reading. Useful Resources. Index.

Promotional Information

A practical introduction to setting up and facilitating bereavement support groups from expert author Dodie Graves

About the Author

Dodie Graves has over 20 years' experience as a counsellor. She is currently a bereavement service co-ordinator for a hospice in the West Midlands, recruiting, training and supervising a team of voluntary bereavement visitors in active listening skills and bereavement issues, as well as facilitating support groups herself. She is the author of Talking with Bereaved People: An Approach for Structured and Sensitive Communication (Jessica Kingsley Publishers).

Reviews

Here the author gives us numerous practical tips on checking in and out, being respectful, using humour, managing dominant group members, handling silences, working with reluctant participants, and managing strong emotions... Each chapter is interspersed with snapshots of real scenarios - these illustrate actual happenings in a group and/or suggested wording for tricky situations. There is also a case study of a closed group and another of an open group. Even present are specimens of helpful paperwork including an excellent example of a list of ground rules... This very readable book is an excellent practical guide for anyone thinking of setting up a bereavement support group. -- Bereavement Care
...the perfect resource for practitioners who are considering setting up and facilitating a bereavement support group. Here you will find the comprehensive guidelines, information, tips, advice and resources you need, as well as very clear messages on the importance of good preparation and clear ground rules as the bedrock of ethical and safe practice. -- Therapy Today
The book provides guidance in setting up and facilitating a new bereavement support group. It is an honest book that highlights not only the highs and joys experienced by Dodie but also the pitfalls and lows that she has experienced through the years providing the reader with a balanced guide in setting up a new bereavement group... This book provides clear guidance for people setting up a new bereavement support group... This book would be suitable for new bereavement support groups and is written in such a fashion that it would benefit both the facilitator of the group and also the participants. -- Nursing Times
It is an excellent practical guide. -- Ministry Today UK
For those thinking of setting up a group this book is invaluable, offering many examples and helpful advice. -- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
This book is a clear guide to assist people embarking upon setting up a bereavement support group. As the range of situations in which a group may take place is considerable, no one size can fit all. Dodie Graves shares honestly with the reader her learning gained over many years of experience; what has worked for her and what has not; the joys and rewards, and some of the difficulties encountered. Setting up and Facilitating Bereavement Support Groups will be useful for people new to setting up and running groups, as well as offering fresh ideas to more experienced practitioners. -- Una Smale, Counsellor and group facilitator, Highland Hospice, Inverness.