Grief Group

Activities will include grief education, group discussions and music-based group activities.

Dates: March 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, 6th, 13th

Time: 10:30am - 12pm pst

Location: Via Zoom

Cost: $75 / session (total $450 for all 6 sessions).

Limited number of spots! Sign up by emailing info@southokcounselling.com

Group details:

Session 1 - Establishing the safety and intentions of the group

Session 2 - Self-care while grieving

Session 3 - Expressing grief

Session 4 - Special grief concerns (adapted to specific needs of the group)

Session 5 - Special grief concerns (adapted to specific needs of the group)

Session 6 - Group Commemorative Ritual and plans for support after the group

Facilitator

Sarah Kennedy

Sarah Kennedy is a Certified Music Therapist with a Masters in Creative Arts Therapies.

"Music has an amazing capacity to help us heal our pain. As an alternative to talk therapy, I use

music to improve the emotional and psychological wellbeing of my clients. Music is deeply

connected to memories, culture, identity, relationship experiences and beliefs and when used in

therapy is an experiential, creative approach to therapy that anyone can try. I believe my clients

have an innate ability to find a path to their own wellness. I provide collaborative support, using

music to help you create lasting, positive life changes. Whatever your struggle, I offer space for

you to express, and thoughtful perspectives as you strengthen your unique (musical) self.

FAQS

Who is the group for?

For people who are grieving the death of a loved one.

Can I connect with Sarah before the registration?

Absolutely, Sarah will hold a brief intake call with each participant either by video or phone. You

can book your intake call with her by emailing info@southokcounselling.com with the title 'Grief

Group Consult'

How do you use music in group therapy for grief?

We explore the use of music to process grief in many different ways. We listen to music

together. I may invite participants to journal or draw in response to the music. We engage in

discussion about the music. We sometimes sing, dance, or play instruments depending on the

comfort levels and wishes of the group. We may compose songs together. I invite participants to

share songs that are important to their grieving process or to their loved one who has died.

Music is used to find reprieve from grief and express grief.

Do I need to participate in the music elements of the group?

Activities are always optional. I am very careful to make sure no one feels pressured to do

anything outside of their comfort level. None of the activities require musical training. I have yet

to encounter a participant who declined participation. And one of the great things about Zoom is

that you can always mute!

What can I hope to get from the group therapy?

I have observed many times that those who are grieving can validate and comfort each other

better than anyone. Receiving the understanding and support of others who are grieving is a

powerful and unique benefit of participating in grief support groups. This is a place where you

will not have to hide your grief or feel alone in your grief. You will learn new ways of using music

as a means of self-care and expression from me as a music therapist, but you will also learn

new perspectives and ways of living with grief from the others in the group.

What will the size of the group be and will it be confidential?

The group will be between 5 to 7 participants. Each participant will sign a confidentiality

agreement and informed consent before the group starts. The zoom platform used is PIPA

compliant.

What kind of support is there after the group finishes?

There is always the option of pursuing further counselling from Sarah specifically or the SOC

counselling team after the group ends. Participants often build connections with one another as

well. SOC will also provide any additional resources needed during and following the group.

Do I need to attend every session?

To maximize the benefits from the series along with sustaining the safety and trust of the group

we ask that you do your best to commit to the full series.

Do I pay for the fall series or each session?

You are asked to pay for the full series. However if you would like to break up payment please

let us know at time of registration and we can make a payment plan. Payments are accepted by

etransfer or credit card and will be asked for at the beginning of each session.