Bitterroot Grief Support Group

International Grief Institute


ICARE SOUTH BITTERROOT GROUP

Griefwork—learning to live with a loved one in our heart instead of our arms—is a process of reconciliation, and the hardest work we’ll ever do. Though the physical absence of our loved ones will always be keenly felt, studies show that peer support coupled with emotional, physical and spiritual nurturing can make all the difference between surviving and thriving.

The 8-week iCare program is carefully and thoughtfully designed to lead participants through a compassionate group program that provides comfort, understanding and hope by pairing discussion topics with self-care strategies, spiritual journaling, externalization activities, and group time with others who speak our loss language.

IMPORTANT:
This is an open grief group to support those who have had a loved one die. This group is not for pet loss or living losses (divorce, estrangement, illness, end of career, loss of home, etc). Loss types include:

  • Widows/widowers
  • Loss of a child
  • Loss of a parent
  • Loss of a sibling
  • Suicide
  • Homicide
  • Overdose
  • Accidental death
  • Cancer and other terminal illnesses
  • Loss by impaired driver
  • Other means of death of a loved one

NOTE:
This group is not a substitute for individual counseling. The facilitator will have a list of local resources for those who desire individual support in addition to the grief support group.

FACILITATOR:
Lynda Cheldelin Fell

CONTACT:
360-510-8590
lynda@learninternationalgriefinstitute.com

TIME:
6:30 – 8:00 pm

LOCATION:
Darby Community Library
101 1/2 S. Marshall St., Darby, MT

WHEN:

  • September 25
  • October 2
  • October 9
  • October 16
  • October 23
  • October 30
  • November 6
  • November 13

REGISTRATION:
The support group is free. Please register to the left. A confirmation email will be sent once you’re registered.

WORKBOOK:
Each participant will need their own workbook. The cost is $19.95 each. Click on the button below to pay. The workbooks will be brought to the first meeting.


Does the grief support group cost?
The group is free but each participant will need their own workbook which costs $19.95 (order above).

How often will it meet:
The group will meet every Wednesday for 8 weeks beginning September 25, 2024.

Can anyone join?
Yes, anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one may come.

Does the death have to be recent?
No. The length of time the loved one has been deceased doesn’t matter.

Is this a drop-in group?
No, this is a 8-week session that follows a format.

Do participants have to come every week?
No, but because absences can be disruptive to the group, participants are encouraged to attend all 8 weeks if possible.

How will participants benefit?
Studies show that peer support is the standard of care, as mourners feel most comfortable talking about their journey with others who share it. The benefits of the group is that it offers a safe place for participants to talk about their loss, triggers, reactions, societal myths and stigma, learn about self-care, and find comfort, understanding and hope.

What if I can’t afford to pay for the workbook?
If paying for the workbook is a hardship, please let the facilitator know so she can contact community resources or sponsors who may be willing to cover the cost.

Who do I contact if I have a question?
Contact facilitator Lynda Cheldelin Fell at lynda@learninternationalgriefinstitute.com or 360-510-8590.

JOURNALING PROMPTS


RESILIENCE RX HANDOUTS

Resilience Rx™ promotes nurturing self-help techniques and positive coping strategies that support you through loss. Click on any link or graphic below to open and print that handout.

Resilience Rx
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COLORING PAGES

iCare Library

Colors are all around us, and they aren’t meaningless. They play a role in how we feel, and can influence our emotions and how we react. Studies show that coloring is therapeutic for all ages. Further, the repetitive hand movements induce a meditative state and help calm the mind during stress, giving our brain a respite from the emotional pain.

Print any illustration below and use gel pens, crayons, colored pencils, or felt tipped pens to color each picture using whatever colors match your emotions in that moment. Print and repeat anytime you need express your emotions.

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AWARD-WINNING GRIEF DIARIES SERIES

BOOKS

Below are books that may be useful to you and/or your families. Click on the cover to order. Each book in the Grief Diaries series is a collection of answers by people who share the same loss. Exclusive price for specialists is just $10 each. Shipping based on weight.

Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about child loss.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories by widows.
A collection of stories by widows and widowers.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about loss by suicide.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about losing a loved one to overdose.
A collection of stories by men about losing a loved one.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about losing a sibling.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about losing a baby from newborn up to age 2.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about losing a parent.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about sudden loss.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about loss by cancer.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about loss by unsolved crime.
A collection of stories about losing a loved one to a drunk or drugged driver.
A collection of stories about losing a loved one to homicide.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about losing a pet.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about the impact of child loss on marriage.
Grief Diaries
A collection of stories about losing a first, second, third pregnancy and stillbirth.
A collection of stories about loss of a cousin, aunt, uncle, and more.
A heartfelt collection of expressive writing by 18 women.
Valuable  tips on how to write an impact statement, followed by a collection of true stories and 25 real statements.
A guide full of useful tips compiled by 22 individuals in the bereavement field.
Stories by members of AVIDD exposing the truth behind loss by impaired driving.
Poignant journeys of women seeking healing and hope after divorce, estrangement, alcoholism, mental  illness, and  more.
A candid look at the ways chronic health issues impact everyday life.
Compelling true  stories about what it’s like to be hit by a drunk, drugged, distracted, or impaired driver.
76 original and thought-provoking coloring pages to sooth the soul.
This workbook for mourners is divided into two parts and sixteen assignments.
A stunning gallery of portraits showcasing both the commonality and individuality of grief.

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