"Ecclesiastes 7:4 says 'The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning...' Being somebody who has spent much of life running from pain, I can find myself out of touch with reality- deceived. Participating in the Grief Recovery Outreach Program has helped me understand myself more deeply. It has also increased my confidence to engage those that I care for." Eric, San Francisco, CA
"I found that Grief Recovery gave me the empowerment I needed to deal with the many issues in my childhood, due to the relationship between my mother and I. Especially, the issues that were the most difficult for me to deal with, in a healthy way, as an adult. Although, I'm encouraged to use one specific person, or event in my life, it's great to know that I can use the tools I have learned in my time with the group, in all my relationships, past and present, and any events that I feel I have had some sort of loss in. Since completing G.R., I have recommended this group to many friends I know have had experiences that I know first-hand can be perceived as a loss. It's great to know that I can talk freely, without prejudice, amongst other people and not have "my" loss minimized by someone else's loss. I've been to see a personal therapist, and the results I achieved through G.R. were a lot more fulfilling and satisfying." Ike Pinkston, San Francisco, CA
"I took the grief class and learned more about my relationship with my mother. After breaking down the negative feelings I had towards her using the tools I learned in the grief class, I was able to face the issues head on. That helped me to identify what I was feeling and to really deal with it. Now I see my mom in a whole new light, which has transformed our relationship. Dealing with loss and grief is never easy, but this class allowed me to go through the process at a managable pace and with people who were very supportive. I would take it again and highly recommend it to others." Grace, San Francisco, CA
“I am happy to share that I recently completed the Grief Recovery Program led by Sarah Roof. What I learned in these twelve short but challenging weeks has changed my life for the better. This invaluable information has brought about emotional healing from the losses in my life by helping me to accurately identifying them, and once doing so, to grieve in a healthy and healing manner. Recently, with the death of my fiancé’s beloved Grandma, I was able to better support her through her loss without the awkwardness I have felt in the past. Sarah’s vulnerability as she led the class coupled with the small group-setting afforded me the secure environment where I could share, learn, and grow. I am truly grateful. I recommend the Grief Recovery Program to anyone who has experienced deep and painful loss in their past and continue to feel stuck. Best wishes on your path to healing."
-Brandon Matthews, San Francisco, California
"I thought the time lines were an excellent way to heal emotionally (or at least start the process) in a way that was tangible. To write the memories down in chronological order and being able to look at my life as a whole, the time lines relieved me of the nebulous memories and emotions that seemed to haunt me when I am only addressing one issue at a time. Also, I thought Sarah's willingness to be vulnerable & share her own pain was a fantastic example for the group." Salina, San Francisco, CA
"Being in Grief Recovery was a really great experience for me being in such a safe environment of not being judged by anyone, no one trying to change who I was or what I'd been through. I was able to be honest with my past and face the things that I never wanted to admit had hurt me. It was such a great stepping stone for helping me to learn how to deal with pain, loss and grief in my life." Kathy, San Francisco, CA
"Grief recovery has been a healing process for me. I originally signed up to resolve an issue with my past sexual abuse and instead I found myself healing from a much stronger relationship in my life, my father. I had not learned the tools to deal with loss effectively and appropriately now rather than be stuck in the past. I'm enjoying my relationship for what it is today and not so focused on bringing up the pain of the past." Anonymous
"After completing the Grief Recovery Program, I no longer feel trapped by all of the sorrow I was trying to hide. I was able to acknowledge my pain due to the sudden death of a good friend, and now I can enjoy the fond memories without being afraid to think about the past." L. Menendez, Daly City, CA
MORE TO COME!