Support Group For Caregivers
Caring for the Caregiver:
Understanding the physical, emotional and psychological dynamics for those who provide care for those they love.
Caregiving has its long roots in history. The act of caring for those we love is one of the most beautiful gifts that one can give to those who depend on care, and for the individual or individuals providing the care. However, this selfless and rewarding act can come with tremendous stress. The effects of long-term caring can create physical and emotion hardship for many. Caring for a loved one who may be actively dying or with significant health issues constitutes chronic stress. Chronic stress can manifest both physical and emotion issues for those who are in the role of doing caregiving.
Caring for the Caregiver is a five-week group experience that will focus on the following:
1. Understanding the effects of chronic stress.
2. Identifying and exploring resolutions for normal regrets and guilt.
3. Adapting to the lost role of caregiving.
4. Exploring what has been lost for the caregiver during the role of caring.
5. Processing unresolved issues between the caregiver and the person are receiving.
6. Discovering yourself after the role of caregiving is over.
Details:
*This caring for the caregiver experience meets for five weeks and meets for two hours.
Designed for those who are active in the role of caregiving as well as those whose role has ended within the last six months.
*Fall Start date TBD.
About the Facilitator:
Daniel Hernandez, M.A. Clinical Thanatologist. Daniel has worked in mental health for the past 25 years and specializes in the field of thanatology (the study of death, dying and bereavement) and Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy. For the past 25 years he has worked at university settings as a mental health therapist and educator. He has a profound love for teaching and has taught graduate courses in counseling and human development, and mental health. Daniel has taught at San Jose State University, Syracuse University, Colgate University, Utica College and St. Lawrence University.
Daniel has provided support to individuals and families who have suffered a loss. He has facilitated support groups that have focused on: death of a child, survivors of suicide, and widows/widowers’ groups. Daniel continues to present topic seminars in the field of death, dying and bereavement.
Daniel did his undergraduate and graduate work at San Jose State University. He has received training at the Center for Loss at Fort Collins, Colorado and is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling. He is a past Chair of the People of Color Committee that addressed end-of-life issues within a cultural context.
Each Grief Support Group has a limited amount of space designed for a more personal experience. If you’re interested in one of our Grief Support Groups fill out an interest form to be considered.