Have you heard the phrases “tangible” and “intangible” loss?  Tangible losses are experiences that are easily seen, like death, breakups or bankruptcy. Intangible losses are experiences that often go unnoticed such as loss of trust, safety, security, and control.   Tangible and intangible losses are both painful.    Have you ever experienced a loss that isn’t typically considered one, but it left you feeling just as heartbroken?    Maybe it was a dream that didn't come true, an estranged relationship with a family member, or the loss of your career.    I ..read more

Did you know that the Grief Recovery Method was started by a combat Veteran? Our current Vice President, Ed Owens, is also a combat veteran. Oftentimes it can seem like tools for emotional healing are mostly geared toward people who don’t have experience in war or other law enforcement fields.  Military and law enforcement professionals are experts in their skills, training tirelessly to perfect them. But what about training for emotional well-being? In this episode of the Feel Free Again Podcast, Cole sits down with Ed Owens to address the critical issues of PTSD, suicide in the military ..read more

Ed Owens is a former police officer and United States military member who currently serves as the Vice President of the Grief Recovery Institute. He took the time to share his journey into grief recovery, which is deeply personal and profound and stems from a tragic event that shattered his world.   As a law enforcement officer for 23 years, Ed was accustomed to navigating challenges with resilience. However, the death of his three-and-a-half-year-old son, Eddie Ryan, brought him to a breaking point.    One night after work, his evening took a tragic turn when Ed's son found his ..read more

Growing up in Southern California, I had never even seen snow before. But that didn't stop my friends from dragging me up to the top of a mountain and strapping a snowboard on me at 15. With minimal instruction and ill-fitting gear, I somehow managed to make it down the hill in one piece. It was a rough start, but I slowly learned how to slide down sideways. I just had to pick it up by watching other people do it. Now, at 42 years old, I'm a mediocre snowboarder.   Cut to 25+ years later—I'm incredibly grateful to be snowboarding with my kids in Idaho, where I live with my family. It's a ..read more

As we approach Easter, the sight of pastel colored eggs and invitations to Sunday services may bring up feelings of grief and heartbreak for many. Whether you're mourning the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a painful past, know that your grief is valid. But remember, it doesn't have to define this season forever. Healing is possible.   It’s important to acknowledge that for some, the spring can be a difficult time filled with reminders of loss and loneliness. If you're feeling this way, it's okay to give yourself permission to grieve and feel whatever emotions come up. Remember th ..read more

Are you wondering how to help a recently widowed friend but don't know what to say to them? You're not alone. Many people struggle to find the right words in times of loss. It's not your fault. Most of us were never taught how to support someone who has lost a spouse. Let's change that!    Here are some helpful answers to your most frequently asked questions about helping a grieving friend:   What can I say to someone who has lost their spouse?   Start by telling the truth. You can say things such as…   "My heart aches for you during this incredibly difficult time. Los ..read more

Meet Grief Recovery Specialist Lois Hall, who shares her inspiring childhood story and journey to becoming a historic figure in the US Health Department.    Lois Hall’s career has been in the field of Public Health, having held several positions with the Ohio Department of Health, and serving as the Executive Director of the Ohio Public Health Association. Working with those going through HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other diseases – and their families and loved ones – Lois’ interest in grief began from that perspective. Meeting John W. James, Founder of the Grief Recovery Institute, during ..read more

  Exciting news! We invite you to listen to the new Feel Free Again Podcast, where we have real conversations about topics that touch our hearts. Our first episode is now live and there are many more to come in the weeks ahead.         Are you ready to unlock the power of grief recovery? The Grief Recovery Institute offers emotional support programs worldwide, because emotional pain from loss unites us all.   No matter where you are on this planet, we're here to help. Let's heal together, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, career or political views ..read more

Do you struggle with consoling a loved one who lost their spouse? If so, you’re not alone. It's not easy finding the right words when trying to comfort a widow or widower, especially if you were never taught.    After extensive research spanning 45 years, we discovered that out of 141 statements a widow or widower may hear post-loss, only 19 prove helpful. Most comments widows and widowers receive are not only unhelpful but even hurtful.    If you’ve experienced a painful loss, you know it’s true. Isn't it baffling that our society fails to teach us how to support broken-he ..read more

Do you have a physical ailment that seems like it will never go away, so you live with the pain?   Just like trying to push past physical pain, we often ignore lingering emotional pain.   Years ago I had an agonizing foot injury. My doctor recommended that we numb the injury by using cortisone injections and wearing solid boots. That didn’t make much sense to me because I wanted to go back to hiking and hunting and knew that wouldn’t be possible unless I fully recovered.    Isn’t the advice I received to numb my foot similar to the advice we receive about grief and trauma ..read more