Journeys of Grief

Journeys – For the Child or Teen

Young people, hurting after the death of a loved one, experience grief in many ways. They may feel anger, guilt, sadness or confusion. They may have trouble falling asleep or suffer from nightmares. They may act out at home or at school. They may cry easily, have trouble concentrating or show an unusual curiosity about death and dying.

It’s not easy to talk with children about these serious issues. Journeys can help by providing a safe place, useful information and trained counselors to help families begin to heal.

At Journeys, grieving children, teens and the adults who care about them meet in age- appropriate groups with trained staff and volunteers.

Journeys – The Road to Healing

Teens talk with other teens who understand what they are going through. They share stories, memories and photos of their loved ones. Music, art and journaling help them express their thoughts and feelings and learn how to heal from their loss.

Younger children learn about grief and how it affects their bodies and their daily lives. They explore their thoughts and feelings through activities such as music, art, movement and play. By sharing those feelings with others who have experienced similar losses they learn to cope with their forever-changed lives.

Parents and caregivers sometimes need help recognizing and understanding the symptoms of grief in their teens and children. At Journeys, parents and caregivers support each other while receiving practical information on to help young people through one of life’s most difficult challenges.

Journeys – The First Step

The hardest part of any journey is the first step. Journeys meetings take place twice a month, year round to better meet your family’s needs. Nursery care is provided for children 4 years of age and younger.

Pre-registration is required before attending the bi-monthly groups.

Take the first step, call (269) 345-0273 to find out how Journeys can help your family on the road to healing.

                                                Myths About Journeys

 

Myth- Journeys is only for children whose parent has died. 

Journeys is for children who have lost anyone special to them- whether that person is a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, other relative, friend or classmate.

Myth-Journeys is only for children and teens whose loved one died in the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan program or at Rose Arbor. 

Journeys is open to everyone in the community, regardless of the cause of death of their loved one.  Some children and teens who attend Journeys have lost a loved one to accident, suicide, homicide, sudden death or long-term illness. 

Myth-Grief groups are depressing; people just sit around in a circle and cry!

At Journeys, we know that “talk therapy” is not always the best way to reach young people.  We use age-appropriate activities, such as music, art, games and movement to learn about grief, explore feelings, and share memories of our loved ones.   Yes, tears are to be expected on any journey of grief, but at Journeys you are just as likely to hear laughter!