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Grief Recovery Institute® Guidance Center


John James, founder of The Grief Recovery Institute

John W. James

Founder of The Grief Recovery Institute®
Co-Author of The Grief Recovery
Handbook & When Children Grieve

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Russell Friedman, Executive Director of The Grief Recovery Institute

Russell Friedman

Executive Director
Co-Author of The Grief Recovery
Handbook & When Children Grieve


Featured Article

Is It Ever Too Soon To Recover?

Conflicting opinions from a wide variety of sources confuse the question of when to begin a process of completing what was left emotionally incomplete when someone important to you dies. Medical, psychological, societal and family experts all approach the issue from different perspectives.

It is not uncommon for us to hear of people being told by a mental health professional, "It's too soon to begin your grief work, you're not ready yet." We grit our teeth every time we hear that comment. Imagine that you have fallen down and gashed your leg and that blood is gushing from the wound. Then imagine someone walking by and saying: "It's too soon, you’re not ready for medical attention yet."

What if circumstances and events have broken your heart? Imagine that you are experiencing the massive and conflicting emotions caused by the death of someone important to you. Then imagine a friend, or worse, a professional, saying to you: "It's too soon, you’re not ready for emotional attention yet."

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Ask John & Russell – It’s Never Selfish To Need And Want Someone To Be There In Your Life (Published June 18, 2013)

Q:

My father died in October, 2010. I'm still having trouble facing the fact that he's gone. I will be graduating from high school this year, in 2012. Is it normal to feel like I need him to be there, or is that being selfish?


Russell Friedman Replies:

Dear Nicole,

Thanks for your note.

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Find Local Support

If you or someone important to you wants help with grief: Look for a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist℠ in your community. The Grief Recovery Institute ® trains and mentors Certified Grief Recovery Specialists℠ throughout the United States & Canada.

See Russell and John's blog at Psychology Today

Workshops & Training Schedule

The Grief Recovery Institute ® offers Certification Training programs for those who wish to help grievers.

  • June 2013
    Calgary, AB - June 21 - 24, 2013
    St. Louis, MO - June 21 - 24, 2013
    July 2013
    Oklahoma City, OK - July 12 - 15, 2013
    Palm Springs, CA - July 12 - 15, 2013
    Los Angeles, CA - July 26 - 29, 2013
    Moncton, NB - July 26 - 29, 2013
    Atlanta, GA - July 26 - 29, 2013
    Chicago, IL - July 26 - 29, 2013

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