​Who is this program for?

Anyone 21+ grieving the death of a spouse or partner ('widowed' = married or not).

 

​Who is the YWP Edition for?

The YWP Edition of the Widowed Support Program caters to widowed parents of dependent-aged children. 

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What is the purpose of these programs?

• To initiate the step from survival mode to healing;

• To dispel societal misconceptions that hinder instead of help; 

• To educate and empower with information and tools for resiliency, including healthy coping strategies and nervous system regulation techniques;

• To introduce healthy ways to integrate grief, making it easier to carry; and

• To provide understanding social supports. 

• YWP Edition: Widowed parents still raising dependent-aged children at home are in a category of their own, and there are very few resources available for this population. In addition to what is provided in the Widowed Support Program, this particular program addresses children's grief at different developmental stages and provides helpful parenting tips. Connecting with other young families in the community expands social supports for these parents as well as their children.

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Who is the facilitator?

Andrea Row created and facilitates the Widowed Support Program. 

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What makes this different than other grief support programs? 

This comprehensive program was created by a fellow peer, certified grief counselor, and mental health professional who understands first-hand the unique needs and issues people face after experiencing the loss of their person. In a judgment-free environment, we explore a wide range of purposeful topics and address not only the loss of your person, but the secondary losses that occur simultaneously and over time. Self-care is essential while grieving, and this theme is incorporated throughout the program. Psychoeducation is provided about grief, trauma, nervous system regulation, neuroplasticity, and more. Balancing the tough stuff with humor, therapeutic strategies are used to work through challenging themes. Additional local and national resources are also shared. Since this type of loss can be extremely isolating, the group format offers the opportunity to share stories, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections with others who understand. 

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How soon after my loss should I sign up? 

While you can sign up for this program any time following your loss, it may be best to give yourself at least a month to move through the initial shock. Individual sessions could be very beneficial during this time. These groups are also appropriate for those who are a few years post loss, as secondary losses exacerbate grief. 

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Some Topics We Cover:

Understanding grief & trauma

Typical grief reactions

Self-care strategies

Journaling

Mind/body/spirit

Nervous system regulation

Rediscovering yourself

Milestones, holidays, etc.

Identifying social supports

Children's grief

Widowed parenting

Secondary losses

Linking objects

Continuing bonds

Humor

Meaning making

Unfinished business

Additional resources 

Regrets & guilt 

Love & forgiveness

Identity shifts

Patience 

Integration

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What is the duration of the program? 

Each session is ten consecutive weeks in duration. If there is a missed week due to scheduling conflicts with holidays and other special circumstances, it will be noted in the registration description. 

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Where are the meetings located?

Alden Mental Health Counseling on Broadway in Alden, NY, just outside of Lancaster.

 

Are drop-ins allowed to participate? 

No. These are "closed" groups, meaning only the participants who have registered for the program are admitted into sessions. No walk-ins permitted. Participants are vetted to ensure the safety of the group.

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How many other participants will there be in a session? 

Participation is limited to six (6) people for in-person groups and twelve (12) people for virtual groups to ensure an intimate environment where meaningful sharing can occur. 

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What can I expect during the weekly meetings? 

• Each meeting is 90 minutes in duration 

• The very first meeting will be focused on reviewing the group guidelines, an introduction to the journal we will be using for the program, and an opportunity for members to introduce themselves 

• Each meeting: begins with a guided breathing exercise, includes education, group discussions, and concludes with a brief journaling task to be completed between meetings (each meeting has a similar flow)

• Meetings are topic focused and structured in a way that builds on content from the previous week

• You are not obligated to share any details you are not comfortable sharing ​

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What does it cost to register for the ten week programs? 

$300 one time fee for the in-person program and includes the journal Death Sucks: A Journey of Life After Loss.

$250 one time fee for the virtual program; journal purchased separately for $10 on Amazon.com.

Space is reserved when paid in full (first come first served).

Limited full or partial fee waivers are available, thanks to generous subscribers of the ARROW Reflections blog- inquire with Andrea

 

What is the refund/cancellation policy? 

A full refund may be issued 72 hours prior to the start date of the group. After 72 hours, there is an option to transfer your registration funds to another program within one year, or to sponsor the registration for someone who is unable to afford it.  

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Is it okay to miss a session? 

Although it is ideal to attend every session, it is understandable that life happens. Any handouts you missed that day will be emailed to you. Please try to schedule any appointments around the dates and times of our sessions to avoid missing something important. Every session is valuable. Of course if you are ill, stay home and pamper yourself.

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Will these groups be depressing?

The death of a significant other is traumatic and already depressing! This group balances the tough stuff with humor, inspiration, and positive tools for learning to thrive post loss. Talking about topics that stir up uncomfortable emotions is never easy, but it is necessary to process what you're going through as a valuable step towards healing. You will be in a compassionate, non-judgmental environment with others who understand. As mentioned before, you are not obligated to share details you are uncomfortable sharing; however, it helps initiate healing and offers validation to others who identify with you which, in turn, helps them, too. Of course there will be some tears, but there is also laughter and lightheartedness.  

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Can I participate in the program more than once?

You may register again if it has been at least one year from the last time you participated. Your perspectives with grief will evolve and change over time, so participating at different timelines can offer new insights. However, any sooner than one year from your last participation may feel redundant. 

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What other types of grief support are offered by ARROW Integrative Coaching, LLC? 

The YWP Edition of the Widowed Support Program is specifically for young widowed parents of dependent aged children. Individual grief coaching sessions are available, and workshops provide a deeper dive into some of the topics introduced in the Widowed Support Program. Please check back for updates. 

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Should I still see a mental health professional if I participate in the program? 

Participating in any of the services offered by ARROW Integrative Coaching are extremely valuable, but they do not replace the services of a licensed counselor or therapist. If you are already working with a licensed mental health professional, please let them know if you participate in this group. 

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What is the difference between coaching and therapy? 

Although there are some similarities, coaching and psychotherapy are distinct services. Coaching focuses on client-set goals and forward movement, while psychotherapy diagnoses and treats mental disorders. If psychotherapy needs are identified, Andrea will make appropriate referrals. To maintain appropriate ethical boundaries and guidelines, Andrea cannot serve as both coach and therapist for the same client. 

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What if I have other questions or concerns? 

Any additional questions can be directed to Andrea at arrowintegrative@gmail.com

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