The loss of a loved one to suicide is absolutely devastating. Unfortunately there is still such stigma attached to a suicide death. This special small support group is designed especially for those who are experiencing this specific type of loss. I will utilize a combination of psychoeducation and open discussion. The book Understanding Your Suicide Grief-Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart by Dr. Alan Wolfelt will be used as well as the companion journal. These books have been generously donated in memory of Rhya Marohn (www.carterandrhya.rocks). If you’re reluctant to join a support group I encourage you to give it a try. I strive to create a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment (and I will never force you to talk if you don’t want to!). Some people have told me they thought coming to a support group meant sitting around in a circle crying for 90 minutes. Well, honestly we do cry sometimes but we laugh too. If this sounds like something you would like to explore, send me a message at melinda@melindaruppert.com or call me at 240-298-2442. I would be more than happy to answer any questions.

Details:

We will meet for 6 consecutive Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30 pm starting on February 9, 2022.

Fee per session-$30 (book and journal included)

This is an in person group and space is limited to 8 participants.

I am so very excited to welcome artist Lisa Gillespie here on Saturday, February 27th, 2021 for our therapeutic art program! I had previously scheduled this program last year but had to cancel it. Lisa is a compassionate and talented artist who has a gentle way of helping others discover their creative side. This art program is for everyone-the person who sees themselves as creative and artistic and those who don’t feel artistic at all! We have chosen an art project that will be enjoyable and meaningful for people of all skill levels. With Lisa’s guidance we will be making beautiful memorial shadow boxes. I will supply some art materials but we ask that you bring a shadow box, photo or two and any items or mementos that symbolize your loved one. To learn more about Lisa please see her bio below. Visit http://www.melindaruppertlcpc.com to register for this program.

Lisa Gillespie

Artist and ASID Certified Interior Designer

Lisa Gillespie is an artist, interior designer and former professional chef with decades of design and art experience. A native to Charles County Maryland, she is a graduate of Towson University, and The Culinary School of Washington and continued her graduate level education at the Maryland institute College of Art in Baltimore and The Boston Architectural College in Massachusetts. In addition, she has studied art and design abroad at The American University in Paris. She is ASID Certified interior designer and principal of her own design business; Lisa Gillespie Designs and owner of The Treasure Nest, a vintage furniture and décor business.
Lisa moved back to Maryland in 2005 and was recently married to her wonderful husband Jim and is the proud mother of a beautiful teenage daughter Olivia.

On Friday, January 17, 2020 I am facilitating a grief program called The Elephant in the Room. This is for anyone who is helping a grieving friend or family member. If you are struggling with how to best support someone who is grieving, this program will provide some tools to help you. Walking alongside someone who is grieving can be very intimidating and emotional. Learning some practical ways to be supportive as well as knowing the things to say or not to say can help ease the stress of a very important role. Many times grieving people will tell me that if it wasn’t for a specific friend or family member then they wouldn’t have made it through some of their darkest days. On the flip side, I have heard some very hurtful things that people have said or done (a lot of times unknowingly) to someone in need of support.

Before I became well acquainted with grief through my own personal and professional experience, I remember fumbling around to find the right words to say to someone grieving. Or sometimes I wouldn’t know what to say so I simply……just didn’t say anything at all. While it’s impossible to take away another person’s pain, there are some things that can be done to soften it or provide comfort. Simply being present and not offering unsolicited advice is one of the most important things you can do.

If you are already helping someone through the grieving process or if you would like to learn some skills to feel more confident consider joining us this Friday. To register just follow the link here on my website and fill out the registration form and I will be in touch. There is no fee and this program is open to anyone!