Overdose Grief Therapy Group

The death of a loved one is something that all human beings will most likely experience at some point in their life.  Under normal circumstances, many people are able to work through the process of grieving their loved one over time without the help of a professional.  Complicated grief happens most often due to more tragic (and unexpected) circumstances around the death of a loved one - murder, suicide, accidents and overdose fall into this category.  Complicated grief seldom resolves on it's own for a number of different reasons, and most often requires some professional counseling.  (For more information on the unique barriers to healing from an overdose death, please read my blog "Why Grieving An Overdose Death Is So Hard.")

 

As you are probably aware, our country is currently in the midst of an opiate epidemic with 75,000 overdose deaths occurring in 2017 alone.  As the father of three children and an addiction specialist for many years, I am deeply saddened by this public health crisis.  That is why I have recently decided to utilize my training and experience in grief counseling to offer professional help for individuals and families who have lost a loved one to an overdose.

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This Overdose Grief Therapy Group is based on internationally known bereavement therapist Dr. Alan Wolfelt's model for therapists to understand, identify and companion grievers lost in the wilderness of complicated grief.  His compassionate view of how we help anyone through this important process involves being with the person in their pain, while trusting the person's inner wisdom of mourning. 

 

As your Grief Companion, I will be walking with you through the wilderness of your grief experience and attending to your needs exactly where you are in any given moment.  The companionship of others in the group who have lived through the same experience helps you feel less isolated and alone.  This Overdose Grief Process Group is a safe, compassionate and nurturing place to work through your loved one's overdose death and begin living again under the guidance of a highly experienced, licensed therapist.

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We meet on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 pm in my Roswell, GA office.  This group is ongoing and new members may join at any time provided space is still available.  A 12-week commitment is suggested, but not required.

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***Online Overdose Grief Therapy Group coming soon for residents of Georgia!***  Beginning on Monday, February 18, 2019 I will be offering a telemental health version of this group as well.  The online group will be conducted via video conference on Monday evenings from 7-9 pm.  (Please note that due to state licensing regulations, this group is only available to residents of Georgia at this time.)

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To reserve your seat for either group, please call me at 678-316-3991 any afternoon or evening M-F or fill out the form below. Put "Grief Group" as the subject and make sure to include your phone no. when reserving a space.  I will contact you with details on the location, cost and brief screening to make sure this group will meet your needs.  In the meantime if you have any other questions, please use the message section below or call me. 

 

Click here for more information on Joseph Kirkpatrick, PhD, LPC, CAI and his practice.