Dr. Alan Wolfelt Ph.Dby: Alissa A Wulff Professional Background/Achievements: Author, Educator, and Grief Counselor Founder and Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, CO Faculty Member at the University of Colorado Medical Schools Department of Family Medicine Past recipient of the Association of Death Education and Counselings Death Educator Award Contributed to such outlets as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, and NBC Today Show

Prompt to Grief Counseling: Best friend died of leukemia at age 14 and more recent death of his father Motivation behind his practice Help people devastated by loss Educate and train people about the importance and value of supporting each other in grief

Theoretical/Philosophical Views: Foundations of practice include elements of existentialism, spirituality, and philosophy Works with various age populations Grief and Mourning should not be used interchangeably Definition of grief: a natural, internal emotional response to losing a love one Definition of mourning: a shared social response or reaction to public display of grief Created a model termed companioning: caregivers should companion clients versus treating (see back of summary) Created a Mourners Bill of Rights to empower mourners (see back of summary) There is not a set pathway of grief but we must face it head on We have six reconciliation needs that mourners must yield to in order to heal and integrate their new life and reality without their loved one1. Acknowledging the reality of the death2. Embracing the pain of the loss3. Remembering the person who died4. Developing a new self-identity5. Searching for meaning6. Receiving ongoing support from others Grief doesnt end its a lifelong process with which we are forever changed Doing well with your grief means youre becoming acquainted with your pain

11 Tenents of Companioningby: Dr. Alan Wolfelt Ph.D1. Companioning is about being present to another persons pain; it is not about taking away the pain.2. Companioning is about going to the wilderness of the soul with another human being; it is not about thinking you are responsible for finding the way out.3. Companioning is about honoring the spirit; it is not about focusing on the intellect.4. Companioning is about listening with the heart; it is not about analyzing with the head.5. Companioning is about bearing witness to the struggles of others; it is not about judging or directing these struggles.6. Companioning is about walking alongside; it is not about leading or being led.7. Companioning means discovering the gifts of sacred silence; it does not mean filling up every moment with words.8. Companioning the bereaved is about being still; it is not about frantic movement forward.9. Companioning is about respecting disorder and confusion; it is not about imposing order and logic.10. Companioning is about learning from others; it is not about teaching them.11. Companioning is about curiosity; it is not about expertise

http://www.grieftogreatness.com/professionalcommentaries.html

Mourners Bill of Rightsby: Dr. Alan Wolfelt Ph.D

1. You have the right to experience your own unique grief2. You have the right to talk about your grief3. You have the right to feel a multitude of emotions4. You have the right to be tolerant of your physical and emotional limits5. You have the right to experience griefbursts6. You have the right to make use of ritual7. You have the right to embrace your spirituality8. You have the right to search for meaning9. You have the right to treasure your memories10. You have the right to move toward your grief and heal

http://www.grieftogreatness.com/professionalcommentaries.html

Further information about Dr. Alan Wolfelt can be found atwww.centerforloss.com