Storybooks for Healing is an eight week group writing program offered by bereavement professionals.  The program is comprised of Grief Reflection Workbooks, the Facilitator’s Guide to Writing through Grief and access to the online My Storybook Publisher for creating and ordering beautiful hardbound storybooks and cards.

The Grief Reflection Workbook is the participant’s component of the Storybooks for Healing group writing program. Part journal, part interview, the Workbook is very approachable and leads the SFH participant through four sections:

• Life Reflection: Stories to Remember. Start here with the facts of your loved one’s life.
• Grief Reflection: Sad, Mad and In-Between. Gain insight into how your life is changed.
• Reflection on Meaning: The Gift from Loss. Seek out the hidden treasure worth finding.
• Living Forward: Your Journey Defined. Choose your path consciously.

Anyone Can Write

Writing is just placing your thoughts on paper. The Workbook is designed to help you pose questions, find a starting point and open up your creativity. There is no need to worry about perfect grammar and spelling. The Grief Reflection Workbook is personal and does not need to be shared. What is important is that you have a chance to read what has been held within since your loss.

The Workbook is completed at home within the given time frame of the program throughout the eight weeks. Participants may find they write intensely for a few days in each section, or just some each day. This is up to you.

Group meetings allow time to discuss your progress, layer in additional activities and share about your loved one. The time is structured, yet flexible so you will special attention to yours and the group’s needs.

Trust the Process

Each week’s writing exercises offered through SFH are designed to unfold your story. There may be times you’ll question steps along the way, or anxiously want to start your storybook. That’s exciting!  But remember to trust the process. Taking the program step-by-step will lead you through what you need to know at the proper time.

Can I Just Order the Workbook?

Yes and no.

Yes, you can join a SFH program and complete the Workbook. But there is so much more. The program is a group because this is the most effective process. If you attend SFH and complete your workbook, you will find relief! There are complementary exercises conducted during the group meetings to help you write with more description, creativity, and direction. Authoring and publishing your Storybook is optional, but also a very rewarding step in the SFH program.

No, you cannot order the workbook without a program. Currently, the SFH program is only offered through organizations and professional counselors. The group feedback and your contributions to the process are very important. SFH is a writing program, but the subject, your loss, can be difficult to work through alone. Meeting with peers and facilitation by a bereavement specialist provides you a support system throughout the program.

We will be offering pilot SFH programs online soon. If you’d like to be a part of the online pilot, please contact us using the Find a Program link.

>> Find a Program