The 6 Session Arc:

From Hello to Goodbye For Now

Week 1: Saying Hello

Check-in. Opening poem

Guidelines. Conversation topics, Common Myths, discussion, check out: “What are you moving on to for the rest of your day?”.

Work at Home: Common Experiences handout

Week 2: Who Am I Now?

Check-in, Poem. How was it to hear the poem? In pairs, sharing their responses to “common experiences” (20 minutes). Large group: How was it to share? Then discussion. Check out: “How was this session for you?”

Work at Home: Loss History handout

Week 3: Who Have I Been?

Check-in, Poem. How was it to hear the poem? In 2 groups of 5, share their “Loss History” (40 minutes). Large group: How was it to share? Then discussion. Check out: “Share an appreciation of one person in the group”

Work at Home: Body map

Week 4: Carrying the Weight

Check-in, Poem. How was it to hear the poem? In 2 groups of 5 (different groupings from week 3), share their “Body maps” (40 minutes). Large group: How was it to share? Then discussion. Check out: “Share an appreciation of yourself from today’s session”

Work at Home: The Death and funeral/service

Week 5: The Goodbye I Wanted

Check-in, Poem. How was it to hear the poem? In 5 groups of 2 (different groupings from week 2), ask them to share their stories of the death and service (40 minutes). Large group: How was it to share? Then discussion. Check out: “One or two words to describe how you’re feeling now”

Work at Home: The Letter of Love

Week 6: Closing… on this… for now

Check-in, Opening Poem. How was it to hear the poem? In large group ask them to read aloud the Letter of Love while the rest of the group holds them. When everyone has read their piece invite responses to each other. Then discussion.

Closing Poem. Extended check out: “Please reflect on how you were when you first joined this group. Remember your anticipation of it, our first meeting, how you are now. Please share anything you would like to about our journey (You may wish to allot a 3 or 5 minute timeframe).

Next Steps: If you have not already done so please get permission to share their emails with one another. Encourage them to call, zoom, stay connected. Recommend someone host a reunion in one month (or sooner) and that they follow the “check-in then conversation” format. Try to get a commitment and a set date and time