Therapy

I personally liked the online message board for discussing grief, for me it combined support from a variety of sources (not only one, like a therapist alone) and privacy. And I did not have to be in a group when it was supposed to happen, I could listen to things, interact, also support others in ways that worked for me. Same for unexpected traumatic experiences... if I do seek support with these at all.

Xynesthesia, message board like this one? supportgroups.com
Or do you know of any others. So far not much luck except for this one and griefshare.org

If anyone else can recommend an online group or similar resource not mentioned earlier, please share.

Thanks

Firstly, you might want to ask your therapist about that. He (or she?) may know local support groups for grief and loss. It's specifically grief and loss groups I'd be looking for. Try to google "free grief and loss support groups". The paid ones, I suspect, are the ones facilitated by licensed therapists who, naturally, want their time to be compensated. You might find free groups in your area through MeetUp.com. Through MeetUo people just gather according to their interests, including support on different issues. Those groups would, most likely, be self-run by the group members. There are also online free emotional support sites like WarmLines or WarmLine, 7cups and some others that have trained volunteers who give various kind of support, not just grief and loss and they might know your local resources and direct you to specific groups in your area. And, of course, online forums. I believe, there is Grief and Loss forum here, on PC and on many other websites. Local colleges and universities could give you information as well because sometimes they have low cost counseling centers. Just try to look in all those various directions until you find something that suits you emotionally and cost wise.

What's the best way to find a group like that? Is there a resource online? What if it wasn't a join session but rather an offer to connect with someone who has gone through a similar situation, via email, Skype, etc. Would you connect with that person? I'm just trying to gauge where I can help the most.

Thanks!

Hi Alexey. There've been some great suggestions already about finding such a group--online, in person, through church organizations, by referral from a T.

I'd also suggest looking into other areas for volunteership that might not directly relate to grief, but where I think you'll find your perspective and experience valuable to others. Working with young people, for instance. Perhaps like a big-brother, big-sister type organization. I'm sure many of those folks would like the companionship of someone who knows, first-hand, what it's like to lose a parent, and has gone on to be successful.

In general, I think there are plenty of people currently going through a hardship--any kind of hardship--who would appreciate the support of someone who has gone through and overcome a hardship--any kind of hardship.

Here's a great resource for volunteering: volunteermatch.org
You can search by city or by skill-set.

You sound like you have something pretty specific in mind--like making yourself known to therapists and receiving referrals from them? Or offering your services as a sort of co-therapist or grief specialist? What did you have in mind?

Hi Argonautomobile,

Thanks for your post and the link. You're right, there are many ways to give back. I was just brainstorming ideas, I felt like I could have most impact specifically with people who were in similar circumstances. I was thinking that for people who have gone through a similar experience, it would be easier to open up to someone who has gone through the same. But maybe that's not necessarily the case for others.