epatterson posted on September 10, 2008 16:19
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Sept. 5, 2008
Contact: Melissa Roberts Weidman, 508-957-0200, X 307 mweidman@hospicecapecod.org
HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE OF CAPE COD
OFFERS NEW SUPPORT GROUPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
COPING WITH GRIEF AND LOSS
HYANNIS, MA. - SEPT. 5, 2008 - Kids Grieve Too!®, a unique program run by the Grief Support and Referral Center of Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, announces two new support groups for children ages 8 to 13 who have experienced the loss of a parent, relative or friend.
“Children Who Have Survived the Loss of a Loved One By Suicide”: This five-week-long support group will meet every Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. from Sept. 18th to Oct. 16th at the Falmouth office of Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod at 359 Main Street in downtown Falmouth. It will be facilitated by Jane Beatty, LMHC, AAT, licensed child and adolescent mental health counselor for Kids Grieve Too! ® This hands-on, creative activity group will use different therapeutic forms such as collage, mask making and musical expression to give young people a healing opportunity to express themselves. Beatty will also incorporate Murphy, the Kids Grieve Too!® therapy dog, into the group’s process. Murphy is an Alaskan Shepherd - Border collie trained to work with children who have or are experiencing loss. Beatty has been trained in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and is registered with Therapy Dogs International, Inc.
“Musical Expression Grief Group”: This six-week-long support group will meet every Wednesday from Sept. 17th to October 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hyannis office of Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane (off Independence Drive). Facilitated by Jane Beatty using her therapy dog Murphy (see above), this group will specifically employ musical expression as a therapeutic method for children coping with loss and grief. Activities include writing new lyrics to favorite songs, making instruments out of recycled materials, and exploring the usefulness of different styles of music for the grief process. No previous musical experience or ability is needed. Just bring a willingness to explore and have fun!
Light refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required. Call Jane Beatty at 508-957-0244 or 508-540-8383 x226 for more information. There is no charge but donations are welcome and gratefully accepted.
Kids Grieve Too!® is a specialized program for children and teens, offering age-appropriate counseling to kids who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Children and their families can be seen at home, at school, or in our offices. Individual or family sessions are offered, as well as group sessions, all designed to facilitate the sharing of loss experiences, using a variety of therapies and activities including art, recreational music and pet therapy.