Bereavement expert to speak to Compassionate Friends Oct. 8

Delaware Hospice bereavement counselor and licensed psychologist Dr. Judith Pierson will be the guest speaker at the Lighthouse Chapter meeting of The Compassionate Friends at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Branford Lounge of Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach. Pierson’s topic, coping with the holidays, will offer timely discourse for the coming holidays for parents who have lost a child.

With more than 21 years of clinical experience, Pierson has presented a wide variety of grief counseling workshops. “The holidays are traditionally a time to share happiness and joy,” said Pierson, “but bereaved parents of a lost child see things differently. They have a difficult time dealing with the holidays.

“This includes coping with family relations, remembering traditional celebrations, and interacting with friends and fellow workers. I will talk about how to deal with these difficult times, and share suggestions and ideas with bereaved parents and family members.”

The Compassionate Friends is a self-help organization offering friendship and understanding to bereaved families who have experienced the death of a child. Its mission is to assist families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age and to provide information to help others be supportive.

Bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings are encouraged to attend.