Library seminars tackle grief recovery

Many things people are taught about grief are unhelpful, according to Arthur Michalak, co-owner of Latitude Rehabilitation Consultants Ltd.

Sayings such as “time heals all wounds” and “be strong for others” often come to mind when someone is grieving, Michalak, whose company offers counselling services, said.

“I find, from my standpoint, that a lot of the things I was taught as I was growing up did not help me in my grieving process,” he said. “I would hazard to say that the majority of people are in much the same boat as I.”

The myths of grieving is one of the topics Michalak will tackle during a 12-week grief recovery program he's offering through the city's library system.

The set of seminars will start Jan. 12 at the New Sudbury Public Library, and will take place from 1-3 p.m. Subsequent seminars will also take place at the same time and location on Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 and March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

The seminars are free, although participants must have access to the book The Grief Recovery Handbook - 20th Anniversary. Participants must also commit to attend all 12 sessions.

Michalak said the book, which costs about $20, is available for purchase at Chapters or through his company, which can be reached by phoning 705-693-9355. He also said a few copies are available to be checked out at the library.

When Michalak talks about grieving, he's not necessarily talking about what happens after the death of friends or family members.

“Grief is associated with a lot of different things, including the loss of a job, the loss of your health, or even something as simple as moving from one house to another house.”

Michalak said there are still a few spots left in the seminar series. To register, go to www.sudbury.library.on.ca, and click on library programs, adults and seniors and then grief recovery outreach.