A death in the family can affect each member in a different way.

Because both the individual and the family suffer the loss, death can challenge family cohesion and change the way that each individual views the future of the family and his/her own future.

A supportive group can help an individual reorder his/her role in the family. A bereavement group based on a family systems perspective can provide a healing setting that supports those who are grieving by sharing experiences, ways of coping, and suggestions of resources. The group can give a sense of community as the individuals in the group struggle to make meaning of their loss.

The Ackerman Institute for the Family will be holding a series of eight sessions for adults who have recently lost a family member. The group will incorporate the following principles:

• Each person's experience of loss is unique.
• There are no set stages or timelines for grieving.
• Rituals and new family traditions can be a productive way to deal with the pain of loss.
• Writing and other creative activities can help express deep feelings of loss and sadness.

The goal of the group is to support the individual within the context of family. By understanding that each family member is going to react to his/her loss differently, the group helps each member reconstruct their own life within the family and support other family members on their individual paths.

Date: Sessions begin on Wednesday, February 20th and run for the following seven Wednesdays.
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

The cost of the Bereavement Group is $400.

The sessions will be held at the Ackerman Institute for the Family:
149 East 78th Street, New York, NY 10075

The sessions will be facilitated by Judith Stern Peck, LCSW and Elizabeth Bailey, LCSW.

For more information, contact:
Judith Stern Peck
212-879-4900, ext 165
jpeck@ackerman.org