Affordable Cremation Services In South California
Our Cremation Services In South California
Our Guarantee
We are proud to provide secure and trustworthy cremation services – guaranteed.
Learn More
Why Plan a Cremation Online?
We will guide you step-by-step in planning a dignified and affordable cremation service online.
Learn More
Advanced Cremation Planning
When you preplan, you can be sure your wishes are carried out down to the last detail.
Learn More
What Our Families are Saying
Make Cremation Arrangements from the Comfort of Your Home
At Cremation Society of Southern California, we offer online cremation planning for your convenience. You can get a head start on the arrangement process by selecting the cremation services and merchandise items you prefer and providing the required information online.
Make Cremation Arrangements from the Comfort of Your Home
Grief & Healing Support
At Walker Family Funeral Services, our care for you does not stop just because the funeral is over. We understand you may need additional support in dealing with the loss of a family member or friend. Healing takes time.
How Can I Cope with Intense Emotions After Losing a Loved One?
Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Answer: Coping with intense emotions is a natural part of the grieving process. It’s essential to allow yourself to feel and express these emotions rather than suppressing them. Dr. Wolfelt emphasizes the importance of self-compassion during this time. Here are some strategies to help you cope:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: Accept that it’s okay to feel sadness, anger, confusion, or even guilt. These emotions are part of healing.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with understanding friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your feelings can provide relief and connection.
- Establish Routine: Maintaining a daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability amidst chaos.
- Practice Mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness or meditation can help center your thoughts and reduce overwhelming feelings.
- Seek Professional Help: If emotions become too intense or persistent, consider reaching out to a grief counselor or therapist for specialized support.
Other Leaders’ Insights:
- David Kessler: Encourages embracing the full spectrum of emotions and understanding that grief has no set timeline.
- Katrina Spade: Highlights the importance of rituals and personal practices in processing grief.
Why Do Grief and Healing Take So Long?
- Nature of the Loss: Sudden or traumatic deaths often lead to more prolonged grief.
- Relationship with the Deceased: The depth and nature of your relationship can influence the grieving process.
- Personal Resilience: Individual coping mechanisms and resilience play a significant role.
- Support Systems: Access to supportive relationships and communities can aid in healing.
Dr. Wolfelt emphasizes patience and self-forgiveness during this time. It’s crucial to recognize that healing doesn’t mean forgetting but finding a way to live with the loss.
Other Leaders’ Insights:
- Mary Mac: Stresses that healing is a non-linear journey with ups and downs.
- Viki Kind: Suggests that allowing oneself the time to grieve fully is essential for genuine healing.
How Can I Support Someone Who Is Grieving?
- Listen Actively: Provide a safe space for them to express their feelings without judgment or unsolicited advice.
- Be Present: Sometimes, your mere presence can offer comfort. Offer your time and companionship.
- Acknowledge the Loss: Use the deceased’s name and share positive memories, which can be comforting.
- Avoid Clichés: Phrases like “They’re in a better place” may feel dismissive. Instead, acknowledge their pain.
- Offer Practical Help: Assist with daily tasks, errands, or meals to alleviate their immediate burdens.
- Encourage Professional Help: If needed, gently suggest seeking support from a grief counselor or support group.
Other Leaders’ Insights:
- Joan Lunden: Recommends being patient and understanding that grieving individuals may need time alone.
- Glenda Stansbury: Highlights the importance of validating the person’s feelings and avoiding assumptions about their experience.
How Can I Find Meaning and Purpose After a Loss?
Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Answer: Finding meaning and purpose after a loss is a profound aspect of the healing journey. Dr. Wolfelt introduces the concept of the “Six Stages of Grief”, with the final stage being finding meaning. Here are steps to help find purpose:
- Reflect on Memories: Cherish and honor the memories of your loved one through stories, photos, or rituals.
- Engage in Meaningful Activities: Participate in activities that resonate with you and honor your loved one’s legacy.
- Connect with Others: Building new connections and strengthening existing relationships can provide support and new perspectives.
- Set Personal Goals: Establishing new goals can help redirect your focus and foster a sense of purpose.
- Volunteer or Advocate: Helping others or advocating for causes important to your loved one can create a sense of meaning.
- Seek Professional Guidance: A grief counselor can assist in exploring deeper meanings and integrating the loss into your life narrative.
Other Leaders’ Insights:
- David Kessler: Emphasizes the importance of storytelling and sharing the legacy of the deceased.
- Eleanor Barlow: Suggests creating a “legacy project”, such as a scholarship or memorial fund, to honor the loved one’s memory.
Additional Resources
- Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Website: AlanWolfelt.com
- Books by Dr. Alan Wolfelt:
- “Healing Your Grieving Heart”
- “What If This Is Goodbye?”
Support Groups and Counseling:
- GriefShare: GriefShare.org
- The Dougy Center: Dougy.org
Grieving is a unique and personal journey, and it’s important to honor your feelings and take the time you need to heal. Leveraging the insights and strategies provided by grief experts like Dr. Alan Wolfelt can offer guidance and support as you navigate this challenging time. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, consider reaching out to a professional counselor or support group for personalized assistance.
