When you lose a spouse you are a widow/er, when you lose a parent you are an orphan. But what are you when you lose a child??? This grief is not the same as the others. As parents you are supposed to protect your babies, but what happens when you can’t?? You have to lean on others who share this kind of grief.
When journeying through grief you may feel very alone. One of the best ways to help yourself as you travel this uncharted territory is to create a system of support to help you navigate the deep waters of grief. While family and friends are vital to this system, unless they have experienced a close personal loss, you might feel that they just don’t “get it.” This is where support groups can become a valuable resource for you. In a grief support group, you will meet 8-10 new sojourners also navigating life after loss.
Grief support groups also can provide you with camaraderie, understanding and grief education from others who have experienced a similar loss, and are experiencing the similar challenges that living with the loss of a loved one brings.
Our culture often avoids talking about grief and loss. A grief support group will give you the opportunity to share your story openly, without judgement, guild or shame. In return, you will hear the stories of other members of the support group. You will learn about daily coping strategies, and will gain support to carry you through those difficult days of your grief journeys.
Beauty for Ashes Counseling, LLC will begin a new grief and loss support group specifically focused on pregnancy, infant and child loss.
Led by therapist Jamie Manko, MA, LPCA, NCC, ATRP.
beginning in June, 2022. The group will meet:
In person option: the Third Monday of every month
from 6:30-8:00.
2575 Lin Do Court, Sumter, SC 29150
Virtual Group Option: the Third Wednesday of every month
from 6:30-8:00.
The cost is $10/session
The goal of this Pregnancy, Infant & Child Loss will provide you with:
Emotional and physical support in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Support and understanding from others who have experienced a similar loss.
The opportunity to begin the healing process through sharing your own story and hearing the stories of others.
Coping skills to help you through the most difficult days of your grief journey.
Hope through companionship with people who “get it” and understand first-hand what you’re going through.
The opportunity to discover new traditions and ideas to keep loved ones’ present in your hearts and in your memories.
Increased understanding of how children and other family members react to loss.
Permission to grieve and permission to live a happy productive life.
If you feel you or a loved one would benefit from Pregnancy, Infant & Child Loss Support Group please call Beauty for Ashes Counseling, LLC at (864) 501-3633 for an intake evaluation for group placement.
