Bereavement means a state of loss resulting from the death of a loved one. Palo Alto’s Bereavement Group gives students, faculty and staff a chance to talk to someone who can help you through your loss.

“My specialty is grief and loss, so I was there for them to talk to,” she said. “Many people have problems dealing with other people’s grief, so I help them feel comfortable,” said Joan Coughlin, a Palo Alto psychology professor, who coordinated the program.

The program, which was in January, was eight one-hour sessions and had an all-day meeting on a Saturday. This was the first time for the group to meet at Palo Alto, and it had several participants.

This program not only helped those who lost someone, it also helped someone who had problems communicating with her fellow employees.

“I like working with people and wanted to feel more comfortable,” said Teresa Galvan, Senior Secretary for Counseling. “This program can teach you how to respond to different problems with the acitvites we did.”

Each session is done in steps: 1. The Process of Grief; 2. Personal Exploration; 3. Structure of the Problem; 4. Power of Presence; 5. Exercises in Paraphrasing; 6. Exercises in Reflecting; 7. Worst-Case Scenarios; 8. Trouble-Shooting and Wrap-Up.

“I lost one of my best friends in a car accident, and it was very hard for me to believe,” said John Sanchez, a freshman. “If I would have had something like this at the time, I believe it would have helped me.”

If you feel like you need help to overcome a death or personal problem, this group is available. Sessions are held once each long semester and will resume in the fall.

If you have any questions, you may visit the Counselor’s Office and talk to Teresa Galvan, or call her at (210) 921-5445.

If you would like to speak to Coughlin, you may call or e-mail her at (210) 223-9342 or joancoughlin@sbcglobal.net.