Programs | Center for Traumatic Grief

Healing Children's Hearts

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:28:16 -0500

A Program For Families Impacted by A Traumatic Event

A child old enough to love is old enough to grieve" Dr. Alan Wolfelt

When A Caregiver Dies Suddenly,

A Child's Life Is Changed Forever.

Whether due to criminal homicide, a fatal crash caused by an intoxicated driver, an act of negligence, work related incident, or undiagnosed physical condition, the unexpected death of a parent or loved one is traumatic for the children left behind.

This type of trauma requires specialized committed care.

If you are the surviving parent, custodial grandparent, guardian, or friend of a child impacted by a sudden death, please know there is help available for them and you.

Participation in the Healing Children's Hearts program is completely free of charge.

Children and young people from ages 5 to 17 are welcome to participate. Please call to register for this free program.

For further information please call 856-866-2066 or email hch@traumaticgrief.org

Law Enforcement Resource Center

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 10:42:34 -0500

The Law Enforcement Resource Center provides specialized training and other services to police officers, and assists law enforcement families in dealing with issues unique to those who protect and serve their community.

One of the most difficult tasks a police officer must perform is making a death notification after a homicide, crash, or other sudden death.Those being notified are forever changed by the notification and impacted by the officer's demeanor.

Educational Support

Recruit and in-service courses offered by the Center's Law Enforcement Resource center include:

* "Death Notification": Breaking the Tragic News with confidence for the Professional & Compassion for the Survivor,"

* "Traumatic Grief,"

* "Police Stress, Vicarious Victimization, & PTSD."

Being a police officer involves much more than training provided at the academy, or while on the job. In fact, first responders must be propared to deal not only with the stress of work-related situations, but its impact on themselves and their families.

Emotional Support

Police officers must remain ever vigilant of a potentially dangerous situation, and are trained to control their emotions while demonstrating restraint at all times. Such training may enable them to perform their duties on a daily basis, but officers can pay both a physical and emotional toll for it.

The Center offers confidential, voluntary services to police officers, as well as for their loved ones, impacted by stress.

This program is endorsed by the Burlington County Chiefs of Police Association.

The Law Enforcement Resource Center also offers the following services:

* Crisis Response Debriefing

* Individual, Couples, and Family Counseling

* Grief Counseling

* Resource Library

A licensed mental health professional with first-hand law enforcement experience is available to meet with you.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information about our programs, please call:

(856) 866-2066

Sudden Fatal Incident

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:27:40 -0500

Receiving the unexpected death notification of someone we cherish dearly is truly taumatic. Traumatic grief is much different from anticipated grief. There is no time to say goodbye, to say "I love you," or address the unresolved issues that often occur during any relationship.

We may feel totally lost and alone, even when surrounded by other people. We ask ourselves WHY and HOW over and over again.

The Sudden Fatal Incident (SFI) Program is a service offered by the Center to help families sort out the many questions that normally arise after they have lost a loved one from a car crash, work-related accident, or other type of fatality.

What is it?

Participants in the SFI program gain a clear understanding of why the grief following a sudden death may differ from an anticipated loss, how gender differences may impact their grief process, as well as how second injuries inflicted by others may affect them.

Most importantly, the SFI program enables participants to have contact with others who are struggling with the same questions, and with individuals who have survived a similar tragedy.

While adults participate in the SFI Program, children ages 4-12 and teens are involved in our Healing Children's Hearts program.

Who runs it?

Our counselors are mental health professionals and are among the very few who have training in traumatic grief. Most of our staff members have themselves faced the unexpected death of a family member or other significant person in their lives.

How long is it?

SFI sessions are held several times each year. Each group meets one evening during the week for a total of 6 to 8 sessions. Those who complete the SFI program are also able to participate in an on-going support group that meets on a monthly basis.

How do I sign up?

To sign up for the next SFI session, or for additional information about the program, please call (856) 866-2066.

Individual and family counseling is available if desired. Contact the office for an appointment.

Traumatic Unexpected Grief

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:26:39 -0500

What is it?

The Traumatic Unexpected Grief program is a counseling and educational program for the survivors of homicide victims. This one-of-a kind program focuses on how Traumatic Unexpected Grief due to homicide impacts those who are left behind as well as how gender differences and second injuries (inflicted by the media, the criminal justice system, and others) affect their grief process.

While adults participate in the TUG Program, children ages 4-12 and teens are involved in our Healing Children's Hearts program.

Who runs it?

How long is it?

The TUG program runs once a week for approximately 8 to 12 weeks. They meet evenings from 6:30 to 8:30. Upon completion participants may join the ongoing monthly support group, which meets the second Monday of every month.

How do I sign up?

Contact our office to enroll in the next group. For additional information or to sign, please call: (856) 866-2066.

Individual and family counseling is available if desired. Contact the office for an appointment.

Those who complete the TUG program are also able to participate in an on-going support group that meets on a monthly basis.