Grief Support

Grief Support Services

The loss of a cherished loved one is perhaps the most difficult experience we ever have to face. When dealing with overpowering loss and pain, it is common to feel overwhelmed. We sometimes feel as though our entire world has fallen apart. We can feel lonely. Although everyone grieves differently, the need for understanding, compassion and support after a loss is universal.
 
We understand the many challenges associated with grief. In order to offer continuum care to the bereaved families we serve, as well as those in the community, we are pleased to provide a full range of
Aftercare Services.
 
One thing that is very important to us is that we ensure that our last contact with the families we serve is never the invoice for the funeral. We offer support to the bereaved family in providing them pertinent documents to ensure their affairs are looked after. We also have many helpful resources through our extensive Aftercare Services at no cost to the families we serve.


Lynne Carrière, our Aftercare Services Coordinator, is certified as a Grief Consultant, Meditation Teacher, Reiki Practitioner, Teacher, and Child and Youth Worker to offer support and education to children and adults, who are dealing with anticipatory grief or the loss of a loved one. Recognizing that each journey of grief is unique, Lynne provides personalized support to help one connect with his or her inner healing abilities to eventually gain a renewed sense of peace and hope.


Contact Lynne at 705-268-4488 or by email info@lessardstephens.com to discuss any of the following services available:

 

  • Individual grief support for children, adolescents, and adults
  • Personalized healing sessions
  • Meditation and relaxation techniques
  • Grief consultation for caregivers and professionals
  • Workshops and presentations
  • Bilingual grief resource center - books, brochures, DVDs

 

You Aren't Alone

The stress of grieving in isolation can be unbearable. Even if you endure the ups-and-downs of bereavement on your own, the grief work you do will likely still be compromised. It is not time that heals. Instead, healing comes with validation.
 
Whatever you do, if you feel those around you are not supportive of your bereavement, let them know how you feel and what you're thinking. In doing so, you're educating them on the essential truth of bereavement: all losses are worthy of recognition and acknowledgement, and all those in mourning have the right to grieve.

When Grief Doesn't Ease

Sometimes it feels as if your bereavement will never end, and you’d give anything to have the pain go away. You are not the only bereaved who has longed for some measure of relief.
 

Grief counselors and therapists tell us that the length of time it takes anyone to grieve the loss of someone they held dear to them is dependent on the situation, how attached you were to the deceased, how they died, your age and your gender. So many variables exist, and there’s absolutely no way to predict how long it will take for you to adapt to your loss.

Helping Someone in Mourning

Though you may part company with the bereaved after the funeral, a true friend doesn't stay away long. A great friend keeps checking in.
 
Other simple tips include these:

  • Ask how the bereaved person feels and listen to the answer. Don’t assume you know how they will feel on any given day.
  • Listen and give support, but don’t try to force someone if they’re not ready to talk.
  • Accept whatever feelings the person expresses. Even if you can’t imagine feeling like they do, never tell them how they should or shouldn’t feel.
  • Give reassurance without minimizing the loss. Try to have empathy with the person without assuming you know how they feel.
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