The Grief Recovery Method (GRM) explains why we are so ill prepared to recover from our grief if it’s so universal and a normal and natural response?

Often, the way we manage our grief is the same – or similar to – the ways our parents and other key figures in our lives have managed theirs…  in fact, sometimes for many generations. In addition to parents and key family members, we also learn ineffective tools for dealing with grief from other key adults in our lives as we are growing up – teachers, clergy, coaches, counselors, even the media and tv and music personalities. 

Grief is an emotional response – yet often we try to ease our grief by using intellectual tools. Given the proper emotional tools, we can also achieve recovery from our grief.  That’s what the Grief Recovery Method provides – the appropriate emotional tools for doing this work. 

How does the Grief Recovery Method help achieve Recovery?

The GRM is just that – a method – a step by step process – an “action program” - for unlocking and respecting the emotional experience of our grief – both the immediate or presenting grief issues – and those that may have been holding us captive for years.  Often, the most recent or presenting loss is actually made more difficult by related experiences from our past which were not recognized or addressed at the time – adding weight to that resulting from the current loss.

Through a defined step-by-step process, the GRM first explores the “old, ineffective tools” we’ve been using, with the belief that it’s hard to learn new tools if we don’t understand why the old ones might not have been effective.  Then, the process shifts to the introduction of new tools which can be used across a wide gamut of losses – from persons, to pets, to hopes and dreams and expectations, to those intangible things like trust, safety or faith.  At every step the griever is respected, listened to and heard without judgement or analysis, and is supported in identifying and giving voice to the array of emotions that accompany the full extent of the loss.  Once the GRM process is completed for one loss, it can be used over and over again, to address other past losses, and to help more quickly address new losses. 

Who is it the Grief Recovery Method for?

The Grief Recovery Method provides structured support for those navigating grief from many different types of loss, including:

• Bereavement: Support for individuals mourning the death of a loved one, friend, or pet.

• Divorce or Breakups: Guidance through the emotional pain of ending a meaningful relationship.

• Health Challenges: Help for those grieving the loss of their own health or the health of someone close to them.

• Career or Job Loss: Support in managing the emotional impact of unemployment or major career changes.

• Financial Loss: Assistance for those coping with the stress and grief related to financial hardship.

• Loss of Safety or Security: Guidance for those affected by trauma, abuse, or experiences that disrupt a sense of safety.

• Empty Nest: Help for parents adjusting to life after children leave home.

• Major Life Transitions: Support during significant changes such as retirement, relocation, or lifestyle shifts.

The method is inclusive, offering tools to anyone struggling with emotional pain caused by loss—regardless of its form.