Grief & Resilience / GRP178
Loss Has Many Forms
Recognize different kinds of loss without comparing whose grief is larger.
20 minutes / 3-12 participants / Adults with appropriate facilitation
Download facilitator PDF · Download participant handout · Open activity / add to session
UNDERSTAND THE IDEA
Grief does not follow a required timetable.
Loss can bring changing combinations of sadness, longing, anger, relief, numbness, and ordinary moments. There is no single sequence that everyone must complete. An activity can offer a small way to remember, receive support, or attend to today's needs without demanding closure.
Facilitation lens: Let participants choose the type of loss and level of detail, including fiction. Do not measure progress by willingness to share or pressure anyone to find a positive meaning.
Explore the conceptual background · Broad background, not validation of this original exercise.
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Materials
Paper or a printable handout, Pens or an accessible writing alternative, Optional blank cards or simple drawing materials
Fictional example
A character loses a routine after moving.
Invite and agree - 3 minutes
Name the purpose and the right to pass, observe, write, or use fiction. Agree that people share only their own experiences and do not promise absolute group confidentiality.
Introduce the example - 3 minutes
A character loses a routine after moving. Ask what is known and what is still a guess.
Practice: Card sort - 7 minutes
Recognize different kinds of loss without comparing whose grief is larger. Write short statements drawn from the example on cards. Sort using the distinctions in the task, then discuss cards that could fit more than one place.
Reflect together - 4 minutes
What loss might be overlooked? Ask what fit, what did not fit, and what would make the exercise more accessible. Do not interpret another person's response.
Choose a next step - 3 minutes
Invite one optional action, support request, or question to carry forward. Passing is a valid closing response. Confirm how to seek appropriate support outside the activity.
Adaptations and fit
Read the example aloud or offer written instructions. Allow typing, pointing, drawing, listening, and a support person where appropriate. Avoid mandatory movement, touch, or eye contact.
Allow privacy and passing. Do not prescribe grief stages, closure, forgiveness, spiritual meaning, or a growth lesson.
Conceptual reading and review status
Original AI-assisted educational draft; independent clinical review pending. Sources inform general facilitation principles; they do not validate or endorse this original plan.