BGH offering grief workshop, support group

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Grief is experienced by everyone at one time or another. Losing a loved one can often leave us feeling lost and unsure of where to seek guidance. Instead of trying to deal with the complex feelings that may come up during a grieving period, there is a better alternative offered by Bonner General Health.

“Coping With Grief” is a free 8-week support group and workshop offered to the public.

“This has been an ongoing offering to the community,” said Lissa DeFreitas, a member of the bereavement team at BGH. “We offer the class twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.”

The classes will be offered every Monday night from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from September 14 to November 2 at the East West Conference Room at BGH. There is no charge to attend the classes, but a screening/application is required for each participant before September 8.

“What I love about the class is that it’s an eight-week course,” said DeFreitas. “It’s more of an intensive spiritual journey, but also aims to give people an education so they may walk through the journey of grief while also having companionship with others who have experienced loss.”

The class is a combination of individual exploration and group work. Every participant will have the opportunity to share their story and experience. The other aspect is an educational effort at understanding what grief is.

“That’s important in our culture, where we don’t necessarily feel comfortable talking about death,” said DeFreitas.

Interested parties may contact Lissa DeFreitas at 208-265-1185 for more information.