Hartford HealthCare at Home to offer bereavement support group in Watertown

WATERTOWN – A free bereavement support group open to anyone in need of grief support is being offered by Hartford HealthCare at Home this summer. The eight-week series will be held Mondays, July 11 to Aug. 29, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Apple Rehab, 35 Bunker Hill Road.

Facilitators are Paulette Schwartz, LCSW, social work supervisor for hospice at Hartford HealthCare at Home, and Sarah Muccino, MSW, director of social services at Apple Rehab.

Participants can learn stages of grief, effective coping, stress management and other ways of developing confidence and strength. Those who are grieving may benefit from a support system for many reasons:

· Meeting with a group is an effective way to promote healing through education and support after the loss of a loved one or close friend.

· In a safe environment, individuals can tell his or her story and express feelings freely, knowing that others will be understanding, non-judgmental, and supportive.

· Connections can be established with others to decrease the isolation that grief brings.

· In this forum, participants can learn about typical grief patterns and common myths about grieving.

Registration is required. Please call Paulette Schwartz at 203.376.7394.