Facilitator: Victoria Chiu, Ph.D., LMHC, LMFT
Ambiguous loss is a type of loss where there is no body to bury (Dr. Pauline Boss). It is known as the most stressful type of loss because often there are few resources to support those who are grieving. Even when there is a “body to bury,” there may still be ambiguous loss. Here are some examples of ambiguous loss and certain situations that involve this type of loss:
Loved one with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s Disease
Estrangement
Transitions
Loved one missing in action
Immigration and migration
Singleness
Aging
Divorce
Infertility & Miscarriage
Living with a disability
Loved one with addiction and/or mental illness
In this 6-session pilot support group, participants will get to share and reflect on their unique experiences of ambiguous loss and learn helpful ways to navigate the grieving process. Themes that will be explored: the nature of grief and ambiguous loss, complex emotions, ceremonies and rituals, meaning-making, and building resilience.
Who can join?
-Age 18 or older
-Resident of NY or NJ
-Comfortable using English in group