Grief Recovery Method (Group programs)
The only evidence-based
Grief Recovery program in the world.
An action-based, powerful, directed approach to healing from life's deepest heartbreaks.
The Grief Recovery Method group format is a scientifically tested Evidence-Based Program that provides you with a tried and true method that has been continuously refined and used time and time again over the last 40+ years across multiple countries and in multiple languages to help people heal from loss (es).
This step-by-step training program is designed to give you the tools to recover from the pain of loss to access the joy of life before and after the loss. Unlike traditional therapy or support groups, The Grief Recovery Method uses a pre-established step-by-step model, has a specific framework on grief and loss, and has a limited number of sessions.
Group Grief Recovery Method
Online Worldwide or In-Person in Treasure Valley, Idaho
The group program is for those who like the experience of interacting with others and working through the pain of loss. I am a trained and certified Grief Recovery Specialist and will be facilitating our work together.
In the group setting, you will hear my story and watch me demonstrate the recovery tools that I completed in my own recovery process. You will also share your story as well as hear others. You will be supported by members of the group in direct interaction. This will feel like you are being heard, but without unsolicited advice-giving, suggestions, or comparisons of loss.
It is my job to navigate group members through the learning process and support each person in a confidential and safe environment as you prepare to complete your own session assignments.
You will leave the class understanding:
- The cost of unresolved grief in your life and on society in general.
- The myths of grief and how they keep us confused and stuck.
- A useful definition of grief.
- The strategies that are commonly and unsuccessfully used in managing loss.
- Specific tools that will move you from pain to recovery.
- How these tools can be utilized to manage future losses successfully.
Scheduling and Package Options
# 1 Pace Your Recovery: Group Option
This option entails 7 group sessions, approximately 2 hours per session, meeting once per week online worldwide or in person if living in the Treasure Valley, Idaho. You will complete the program in 7 weeks.
# 2 Accelerate Your Recovery Group Option
The option offers an opportunity to complete the same Group Grief Recovery program but in an abbreviated time frame. See below for the description and class schedule.
Accelerate Your Recovery is 7 group sessions, approximately 2 hours per session, meeting twice per week online worldwide or in person if living in the Treasure Valley, Idaho. You will complete the program in 3 ½ weeks.
Introductory Price for Pace or Accelerate Your Recovery: $399/person.
Contact me, or schedule an online consultation appointment to discuss scheduling and which format option is best for you.
International clients, please contact me for special scheduling options.
# 3 Moving Forward: Create Your Vision
A Third package option for those interested in coaching after completing the Grief Recovery Method is described below. Completion of the Grief Recovery Method before starting the coaching option is required. Coaching with Dr. Watson will be done in individual sessions and scheduled in collaboration between Dr. Watson and the participant.
This package option involves the completion of the Grief Recovery Training Program and four reduced-fee individual coaching sessions with me. The goal of the sessions is dependent on the future-oriented goal(s) that you select. Together we focus on a step-by-step process for you to redefine the life you want and deserve.
Introductory Price for Moving Forward: Creating Your Vision package (includes the Grief Recovery Method and 4 coaching sessions): $699/person.
Contact me, or schedule an online consultation appointment to discuss scheduling and how this offering will work for you.
Please complete the simple 3-question form below.
Dr. Watson will follow up to coordinate a time for a free 20-minute consultation to discuss the next steps.
Get to Know Your Advanced Recovery Specialist
Jo-Ellen Watson
Ph.D, CLC, LCSW
I was born in Washington State and raised in a small town outside of Walla Walla. My parents owned a family business and were involved in the life of our community. I learned the value of hard work and importance of making a contribution to my school and hometown. I had animals to care for, gardening with my mom, enjoyed camping with my family, was active in girl scouts and equine 4-H becoming an accomplished rider. Unfortunately my early childhood was tainted by the trauma of sexual abuse which remained a family secret. Like many children coming from similar situations, I learned to cope by repressing painful memories and tried to prove my value by excelling academically, socially, and in other activities, some of which were risky and unhealthy. I continued that pattern well into adulthood.
After receiving a BA in Sociology from Washington State University, I moved to Seattle, residing there for fifty years. I enjoyed the excitement of a large city and took full advantage of all the career and social opportunities. I continued to excel at my work and education endeavors, receiving advanced degrees including years of additional training in health and mental health care. My careers equipped me with valuable skills and experiences all of which I now draw on in my coaching, speaking and training services.
Like many of you reading this story, I have experienced a significant amount of trauma and loss in my life. My employment as a veterinary technician, ambulance EMT, social worker in a trauma unit, and later first responder mental health crisis worker, while all professionally rewarding, took a personal toll. In my 30’s I experienced a life-threatening abduction and assault by a stranger. I escaped the situation without bodily injury, but coupled with my childhood trauma, I suffered from PTSD for years before receiving help.
On my journey I have benefited from the compassionate care of mental health providers, including a psychiatrist I worked with after the adult trauma. He told me he was impressed with my ability to repeatedly reinvent myself each time, evolving into a better, stronger version of myself. After one session he exclaimed, “You are like the Phoenix Rising”; hence the logo of my coaching services.
I share this part of my story so that you know I am able to understand the emotional pain of losses you may have endured and might currently be experiencing. While I may not know your experience exactly, I am able to relate to the feelings of confusion, sense of isolation, and questions about what to do next. I also know that healing, transformation, power, and revitalization are within your reach. I found these through my own work with The Grief Recovery Method.
