Pine Tree Hospice offers adult bereavement support group

DOVER-FOXCROFT — As a child most of us were taught, “Don’t talk to strangers.” We learn to value safety as well as privacy and soon learn to protect ourselves from invasion. Many Mainers are fiercely independent and are not comfortable with disclosing much information about their personal lives. But when faced with a devastating life event, such as a death, many people find it helpful to talk about their experience, finding that talking with others who have had a similar experience can be healing.

Pine Tree Hospice’s Adult Bereavement Support Group provides a safe place for individuals to meet together and support one another in the grief process. Maybe you or someone you know is feeling alone in their grief and loss. Maybe the thought of talking about it with “strangers” is uncomfortable. Maybe it would help to know exactly what happens at a support group meeting.

A support group is a small group of people who share a common experience, who meet together to discuss their experiences, and who provide emotional support for one another. A support group is led by a volunteer who has been trained in facilitating support groups. This is not like formal group therapy, which is led by a professional therapist who interprets behavior and provides analysis to the member. A support group is informal and the level of participation (how much you talk) is voluntary. In addition, everything that takes place within the support group is confidential.

Support groups are proven to be a helpful coping tool. Hospitals and community agencies often refer individuals to support groups for the benefits these groups provide. One of the biggest benefits of support groups is helping individuals realize that they are not alone. This is often a huge relief to a person. “Me too!” is a common response of participants. Another benefit is that members of the group can suggest new ways of dealing with challenges, as you realize that others are facing the same things you are. It doesn’t take long for the “strangers” to become peers.

Pine Tree Hospice’s Adult Bereavement Support Group meets at 883 West Main Street in Dover-Foxcroft on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 7-8 p.m. Please call 564-4346 for more information.