HEALING LOSS AND DEALING WITH THE HOLIDAYS

The First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, 11 Springfield Ave., will hold their eight week seminar – “Journey to Wholeness- Healing the Grieving Heart” on Sundays evenings from Jan. 8- Feb 26, 2017.
Patti Williams, R.N., and certified pastoral bereavement counselor, and Virginia Waters, PhD. Psychologist, will lead the sessions from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Thompson Youth Center of the church. Patti and Virginia have offered this seminar for 17 years now, and have helped over 2500 people experience healing, find a new purpose for their lives, and feel joy once again. This is an experience like no other.
The sessions include learning about the stages of grief and understanding the tasks of the grieving process, coping strategies, how to take care of yourself and why this is so important, the changes, challenges and choices that occur, creating cherishable memories, coping with holidays and anniversaries, and dealing with feelings of loneliness and being disconnected spiritually. A special candle light ceremony is held to remember those we have lost, which includes walking the labyrinth and a time of fellowship.
Both of the leaders and all of the facilitators have experienced loss within their lives and share from “the inside out”. It does not matter if your loss is divorce, death or job loss; loss is loss- it must be grieved. It does not matter how long ago you experienced loss. Bring family members and friends. All faiths are welcome. To register for this life changing event, please call 908-709-1341. No fee is charged. A special teen group facilitator has been added to help teens with loss as well.
The seminar is dedicated to Patti’s late husband, the Rev. Dr. Bruce D. Williams who had a vision for the seminar 17 yrs ago, wanting to help others deal with their pain and suffering during their time of loss.
“The bereavement group run by Patti Williams and Dr. Virginia Waters has significantly impacted my life in a positive way. I thought I would never survive the sudden death of my mother and it was by sheer chance I found this group. Not only has it provided me with invaluable resources on how to cope with grief and loss it also provided me with an outlet to be with other people who are grieving and have walked my path and understood my grief. That is an incredible gift that words cannot describe. When you’re in so much emotional pain and turmoil you need to be with others who are experiencing the same and I’ve received nothing but compassion support and kindness from the other group members. As far as the group leaders Patti Williams and Dr. Virginia Waters they’re phenomenal expertise guidance compassion and support are immeasurable and have literally changed and saved my life. Both of the group leaders have experienced grief and loss themselves that is why they are able to help us who are currently grieving sort through our difficult emotions and somehow find a way to press on. I will be eternally grateful to this group and I encourage anyone who has experienced grief or loss to attend. If my mom were here on earth I know she would also be immensely thanking the group leaders for helping her daughter.” Seminar participant.