by Audrey Walls, M.Ed., M.F.A. Photograph courtesy of Cat McCarthy Creative, Fall Fest 2024. April 20-26 is National Volunteer Week, when nonprofits and other organizations everywhere are taking a moment to thank and acknowledge the meaningful work their volunteers bring to the table every day. But in our humble opinion, nowhere are you going to … Continue reading National Volunteer Week: Barry and Debbie Carver
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Did You See That? Signs and Symbols After Loss
by Audrey Walls, M.Ed., M.F.A. The biggest rainbow you’ve ever seen. A black bear that mysteriously prowls through your backyard. A child’s toy in the most unlikely place. By themselves, these sightings may be interesting, but not particularly meaningful. But in the light of grief, everything takes on a different shape and significance. Megan Devine … Continue reading Did You See That? Signs and Symbols After Loss
An Introduction to Trauma Informed Care
by Allyson England Drake, M.Ed., FT Trauma-informed care is a caregiving approach that recognizes the widespread occurrence and impact of trauma on individuals’ lives. It understands that many people have gone through traumatic experiences that can profoundly influence their physical and mental well-being. This approach aims to foster safe, supportive, and compassionate environments where individuals … Continue reading An Introduction to Trauma Informed Care
Veterans Day: A Personal Reflection
by Kerri Bjorkholm, Program Coordinator This year marks my first Veterans Day as a veteran, after 29 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. It’s a strange feeling, as I find myself trading one holiday for another, reflecting on how I fit into the veteran community, and marking yet another milestone in my transition … Continue reading Veterans Day: A Personal Reflection
Different Types of Grievers
by Karen Kennedy, MSW One of the hardest parts of grieving is understanding that everyone grieves differently. Individuals respond differently to grief on a number of dimensions including emotions, thoughts, behaviors, physical reactions as well as spiritual expression. There is “no correct way to grieve.” Researchers Kenneth L. Doka and Terry L. Martin provide explanations … Continue reading Different Types of Grievers
Pregnancy After Loss
by Caroline Lavoie, Clinical Intern Those who have experienced 'Pregnancy After Loss' know it is not simply a time marked by celebration and happiness. While there will probably be moments of joy and gratitude, there will also be fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, and confusion for some. A pregnancy after loss can be the longest nine … Continue reading Pregnancy After Loss
Talking to Children About Perinatal Loss
by Caroline Lavoie, Clinical Intern Losing a baby is challenging for all members of the family. Grieving parents may be wondering how to discuss this loss with their other children. The child, no matter the age, has the emotional ability to pick up on the changes that result from the loss. But, what you say … Continue reading Talking to Children About Perinatal Loss
Sharing Your Story of Loss
by Caroline Lavoie, Clinical Intern Sharing your story of perinatal loss can be challenging. It feels personal, emotional, and exhausting at times (or maybe all the time). The experience is often stigmatized, leaving bereaved parents feeling isolated and lonely. We want to acknowledge your strength amidst extreme hardship. You are resilient and your story matters. … Continue reading Sharing Your Story of Loss
Pregnancy Loss and Meaningful Grieving
by Caroline Lavoie, Clinical Intern October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. At Full Circle, we recognize the unique grief of individuals who have experienced these types of losses. We are honored to play a role in these families’ stories, and we strive to offer ongoing support. We honor the lives of these … Continue reading Pregnancy Loss and Meaningful Grieving
Benefits of the Group Process
by Full Circle Staff Research shows that group support intervention for children and adults, as well as education for the parents and other adults in a child’s life, can lead to healthy grieving and help avoid the costs of unresolved grief as children grow to adulthood. When grieving children and families are given the opportunity … Continue reading Benefits of the Group Process