This group allows persons who have lost a loved one (child, spouse, parent, sibling) within the last year to find their path through the pain, grief and disbelief to a place of growth and renewal. Although this is a solitary journey for each individual, a group experience can create a safe, nurturing, supportive environment where community can ease and facilitate the grief process. The group topics will vary and include:

• Starting each group by creating a safe space to support others and to be supported
• Telling the story of the loss
• Sharing “unacceptable” thoughts/feelings/memories
• Relaxing through short meditations
• Discussion of never being one’s “old self again” and how one rebuilds a new identity

The Group is for…

• Men and women (18 years or older) who have experienced the death of a loved one within one year (If you loss occurred more than a year ago and you would like to participate, please contact the group therapist, Julia Clowney.)
• Those who feel like they are holding their pain tightly and closely and are looking for a safe place to “release”
• Those who feel unable to speak about their loss to friends, co-workers or others
• Those seeking to understand their lives after the loss

The Group Therapist
Julia Clowney is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who has provided individual and group psychotherapy in a wide variety of settings since 1997, including inpatient units (adult, geriatric and criminal), partial hospitals, drug and alcohol clinics and outpatient clinics.

Julia uses a holistic approach to addressing her clients’ issues. She believes each person has within them their own answers for mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. In a group setting, one benefits, not only from discussing one’s own experiences and challenges, but from every other member of the group as well. Julia enjoys working with groups and embraces the variety of experiences that groups offer the members.

Julia began her practice at the River City Clinic in December 2007. She offers these evening groups, as well as individual and couples’ psychotherapy.

Please call 651-646-8985 ext 29 to get more information.

What is a group?
Groups are usually six to eight people. Members are invited to explore their own concerns and to learn from other members. Members support each other with their natural strengths and abilities. The group process is both solution focused and exploratory so members can quickly and economically meet their individualized goals.

Group Expectations
Members must agree in advance to protect the confidentiality of other members; including identities and everything discussed in-group. Participants must arrive on time for sessions, partake of the group process when possible and give two weeks notice before leaving the group.

Fees
The per-session fee is $80 with one uncharged absence allowed every calendar quarter. Additional absences cost the same as attending. Group members are responsible for their accounts and our office staff can assist in obtaining third-party payment when it is available. Sliding scale may be available if the cost is a hardship.

Group Schedule
The groups meet weekly.The Grief Group is on Mondays, 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

Joining a Group
For more information, or to schedule an intake, contact Julia Clowney at: 651-646-8985 ext 29.

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