Grief Recovery Institute® Guidance Center
John W. James
Founder of The Grief Recovery Institute®
Co-Author of The Grief Recovery
Handbook & When Children Grieve
Russell Friedman
Executive Director
Co-Author of The Grief Recovery
Handbook & When Children Grieve
Featured Article
Is It Ever Too Soon To Recover?
Conflicting opinions from a wide variety of sources confuse the question of when to begin a process of completing what was left emotionally incomplete when someone important to you dies. Medical, psychological, societal and family experts all approach the issue from different perspectives.
It is not uncommon for us to hear of people being told by a mental health professional, "It's too soon to begin your grief work, you're not ready yet." We grit our teeth every time we hear that comment. Imagine that you have fallen down and gashed your leg and that blood is gushing from the wound. Then imagine someone walking by and saying: "It's too soon, you’re not ready for medical attention yet."
What if circumstances and events have broken your heart? Imagine that you are experiencing the massive and conflicting emotions caused by the death of someone important to you. Then imagine a friend, or worse, a professional, saying to you: "It's too soon, you’re not ready for emotional attention yet."
Ask John & Russell – It’s Never Selfish To Need And Want Someone To Be There In Your Life (Published June 18, 2013)
Q:My father died in October, 2010. I'm still having trouble facing the fact that he's gone. I will be graduating from high school this year, in 2012. Is it normal to feel like I need him to be there, or is that being selfish?
Russell Friedman Replies:
Dear Nicole,
Thanks for your note.
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Workshops & Training Schedule
The Grief Recovery Institute ® offers Certification Training programs for those who wish to help grievers.
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June 2013
Calgary, AB - June 21 - 24, 2013
St. Louis, MO - June 21 - 24, 2013
July 2013
Oklahoma City, OK - July 12 - 15, 2013
Palm Springs, CA - July 12 - 15, 2013
Los Angeles, CA - July 26 - 29, 2013
Moncton, NB - July 26 - 29, 2013
Atlanta, GA - July 26 - 29, 2013
Chicago, IL - July 26 - 29, 2013