Free bereavement support group series at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WILKES-BARRE, PA -- When a loved one dies, a bereavement support group offers many healing benefits, from coping mechanisms and emotional connections with others to the release of powerful emotions. The Spiritual Care team at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWV) will host two, free seven-week Living with Grief support groups each Wednesday, beginning Aug. 10. Day sessions will be held 2 to 3:30 p.m. Evening sessions will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

All sessions are held in the Spiritual Center at GWV, 1000 East Mountain Blvd. It is recommended that participants attend all sessions in the complete series to experience the full benefit of the group. The interactive sessions are confidential. Light refreshments will be served.

The topics and schedule are:

• Process of Grief & Bereavement: An Overview

Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2 – 3:30 p.m. or 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Caring for Yourself: Recognizing Emotion & Types of Grief

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2 – 3:30 p.m. or 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Re-Socialization: Coping with Special Events

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m. or 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Guilt & Depression: Facing Emptiness

Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2 – 3:30 p.m. or 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Anger

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2 – 3:30 p.m. or 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• How to Keep Growing: Spirituality

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2 – 3:30 p.m. or 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Memorial Service

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 6 – 7:30 p.m. only

Chaplains Kathleen Kaskel, R.N., and Bob Thomas will facilitate the sessions. Kaskel has served as a chaplain with Geisinger since 2008, drawing insight from years of nursing service in various hospitals, intensive care units and nursing homes. Thomas is a minister and bereavement facilitator and has served as a chaplain at GWV for several years.

If you are interested in attending either the day or evening series of Geisinger’s Living with Grief support group, please call the Spiritual Care department at 570-808-5539.