Lionheart Grief Coaching

Tips for getting the grief support you need

The Ring Theory is such a great tool when you are in grief and need support. If you are in any of these circles, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this loss- it is intense and painful. 

Immediate Family– The people who can support you in your grief are anyone in your life who are willing and able to witness your pain. Other immediate family members may be able to grieve with you, but remember these people are dealing with their own intense grief. Some ways that you can witness each other is to say your loved one’s name, tell stories, and share other rituals of remembrance (lighting a candle, building a memorial garden, etc…)

Close Friends and Extended Family– The most important thing to remember is that the immediate family are not a good support group- they are dealing with intense grief due to the intimate nature of their relationship and cannot hold space for you. Like the central circle, you can witness and remember with people in your group and in groups further inside the circle, but *your* support system should come from people who are close friends of yours, but not necessarily connected to your loss.

Acquaintances (including co-workers and friends of friends)- the same rules apply as the above groups. Your grief may also be generalized, such as grieving for the family’s loss (empathy), a sense of your own mortality, and a heightened awareness of the temporary nature of the lives of the people close to you. 

The key to being well-supported and feeling held is to ensure you are looking toward your outward circles of connection instead of inwards.