(Stillwater, Okla.) A grief support group that is free and open to anyone who has experienced the loss of someone important to them, including pets, will begin meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 524 N. Stallard in Stillwater, according to Lea Clougherty, the bereavement coordinator for Strode Funeral Home.
“At this support group, people do not need to talk. They can just come and listen,” explained Clougherty, who has over 30 years’ experience in counseling and social services.
“People grieve in different ways. No two people grieve just alike,” noted Clougherty, who has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and explained “this is a support group, not therapy.”
“There is no time frame on grief,” added Clougherty, who has worked in hospice and bereavement exclusively for over the past 16 years.
At this support group, which will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays from Sept. 15 to Oct. 20, “Hopefully, they’ll gain some skills to help them through a difficult time,” Clougherty said.
“Different topics will be covered in different sessions. One will be about getting through the holidays and special days.
“Another one will be on misconceptions about grief and loss. One will be about feelings associated with grief and loss.
“One will be about taking care of yourself,” Clougherty emphasized.
Reservations for the support group are recommended, but not required, she said.
“It’s a good idea to register by calling Strode Funeral Home at 405-372-5550, so I’ll know how many copies of materials will be needed and refreshments,” Clougherty added.
There is no need to have ever used the services of Strode Funeral Home to attend the support group and no need to come to every session, Clougherty said.
Clougherty will also be available to speak to individuals privately by appointment at no cost simply by calling 405-372-5550, she said.
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