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While a loved one is experiencing the end of life’s journey, many family members and friends begin the grieving process. Although it is painful, grief is a normal and natural consequence of our human ability to love and live fully. Painful emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger and even relief are fairly common. However, grief is more than an emotional experience – it can affect our bodies with physical complaints and fatigue. Complaints about memory and concentration are not uncommon. As with many things in life, there is no one “right” way to grieve. Everyone faces loss and grieves in his or her own way.

As time with a loved one becomes increasingly short, many of us struggle with what to say. In his book, “The Four Things That Matter Most” Ira Byock, M.D., writes about the importance of telling those we love how much they mean to us and how using honest, heartfelt words can bring peace of mind. He recommends using these phrases when letting someone know they are loved and will be missed.

Please forgive me.

I forgive you

Thank you.

I love you.

Pathways of Hope Grief Counseling Center

Pathways of Hope, the Grief Counseling Center of Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, offers the community a variety of services. A team of Masters prepared counselors, social workers, and an art therapist provides support and education. All have significant experience and expertise in helping grieving children, adolescents and adults.

Our philosophy is that grief is a normal reaction to loss, and that is a unique experience for each individual, as each relationship is itself one of a kind. The Pathways staff seeks to understand what is needed for each individual to navigate the grief process, and to assist with an effective plan to cope with this life change.

One on one counseling sessions, for children, teens, and adults are available by appointment. Many times, just one session can provide adequate information for the griever to feel they are processing grief normally. Each individual’s need will be assessed by their bereavement counselor/social worker and an individual plan of care developed.

Grief support groups can provide a much needed bridge over the difficult days, weeks and months following a loss. Participants discover that the group is a place where understanding, encouragement and practical suggestions are readily found. Designed to meet different needs, all of our groups are open to anyone in the community who is coping with the loss of a loved one. Our groups typically meet on a rotating basis through the year. Contact Pathways of Hope at 937.258.4991 for the current schedule.

Please contact a bereavement counseling staff member at 937.258.4991 for enrollment.

Healing Pathways are school based grief support programs, providing 1:1 supportive grief counseling, grief support groups and grief education for staff and students.

Art Forever After group is a multi-generational art-based group, providing the opportunity for children, teens, friends and family members of all ages to make art with other. Located at the new William & Dorothy Yeck Family Grief Counseling Art Center on the Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton campus. Schedule information is available by contacting Pathways of Hope at 937.258.4991.

Camp Pathways is an overnight summer camp experience for youths ages 7-17 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp Pathways is held in June every year. Registration is required and space is limited.

Pathways of Hope serves all friends and family of any Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton patient, as well as the community, free of charge, thanks to the support of the community through the Hospice of Dayton Foundation.

Please call 937.258.4991 to arrange for a time to meet so we can understand your needs and create a plan that works for you.

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