GriefShare support group to begin in Hilmar in January

A 13-week educational and support group for adults who have lost a loved one through death will be offered at the Hilmar Covenant Church Family Center beginning Jan. 4. The meetings are free of charge and open to any adult in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

A personal workbook is provided at a cost of $15; scholarships are available. The group will meet Sundays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of the family center, 20056 American Ave.

The GriefShare program is part teaching seminar and part support group. The Christ-centered seminar portion, presented through GriefShare DVDs, provides teaching on topics related to death and grief. The support-group segment allows participants to talk through issues and feelings related to their own grief experiences.

Session topics include: “The Challenges of Grief, “The Journey of Grief – Part One,” “The Journey of Grief – Part Two,” “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Guilt and Anger,” “Complicating Factors,” “Stuck in Grief,” “Lessons of Grief – Part One,” “Lessons of Grief – Part Two,” “Heaven, “What Do I Live For Now?” and “Is this Normal?” and “Why?”

Carolyn Scott Ahlem, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the area of grief and loss, will lead the series. She has been in private practice since 1976, helping many to heal, grow and make necessary life changes. She has grieved the loss of two children and knows grief’s journey well.

For more information or to register for the group, call Ahlem at (209) 634-2762.

This story was originally published November 17, 2014 at 1:41 PM with the headline "GriefShare support group to begin in Hilmar in January."