La Cañada Presbyterian to Offer a Grief Support Group

The following article was posted by Donna Evans. It was written by Camille Tucker. 

Maybe there is a notable absence at the graduation ceremony.

Or an empty seat at the picnic table on the Fourth of July. Perhaps the man traditionally honored on Father’s Day is no longer on hand for the celebration.

A death in the family can leave a deep wound, but particularly so when the calendar flips to a special occasion. La Canada Presbyterian Church wants to help grieving members of the community to work through these difficult times and raw emotions.

The church will hold a series of five grief-support sessions beginning Sunday, from 4-5:15 p.m. in the library, 626 Foothill Blvd. The gatherings are free and will be led by Peter Hintzoglou.

“Even when we think that we’ve managed the emotions well, and we’re doing well, there are times in our life when unexpected triggers bring the grief back to us full-force,” Hintzoglou said.

“Often we are taken by surprise. The journey of grief is very unpredictable.”

The sessions will explore the journey of grief and its unpredictable emotions: depression, loneliness, guilt, anger. Participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions, which will be held on Sundays in that 4-5:15 p.m. time period, but it is permissible to drop in on any session or sessions.

Hintzoglou has extensive experience guiding people through these difficult times. He has been the bereavement coordinator at Heartland Hospice for several years and has spent many years at LCPC counseling families in the end stages of life and the journey of grief. He stressed that this grief-support group is open to anyone, saying, “Grief is a human experience. It has nothing to do with our faith; it has to do with our humanity. So whether people have a religious tradition or none at all, they will be welcome.”

One important aspect of the grieving process, Hintzoglou said, is to engage others who are in a similar plight, rather than trying to bottle up feelings and persevere alone. The seminar will provide such company, he said.

For additional information about the grief seminar and other programs at La Cañada Presbyterian Church, call (818) 790-6708 or visit the website at www.lacanadapc.org.

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