Precious Conversations in Grieving

Editor's note: When speaking to my friend Sandra Howlett, grief educator and facilitator in the Phoenix, AZ, area, she explained the concept of "precious conversations" to me in relationship to journaling your grief, and I found it very interesting. I'd like to share with you what she told me. Perhaps you can find a specialist in your area who does this type of journaling that might be of help to you.

"One of the most painful parts of grief is the sense of absolute separation from loved ones. Parents often carry unwarranted guilt and regret causing them additional agony on top of their near unbearable sadness. Most people yearn for the opportunity to reach out to their children for at least one more conversation. Many grief stricken parents visit psychics and mediums in an effort to connect with their children or other loved ones who have died. While this may be helpful, it is sometimes impractical, expensive and holds the potential for manipulation and fraud."

Precious Conversations is an experiential session that taps into the inner wisdom of the individual to facilitate a written dialogue between participants and anyone they choose, living or dead. The methodology is Jungian based and patterned on the work of the late Dr. Ira Progoff, founder and author of At a Journal Workshop. I've been using this method for over 15 years and have had extensive experience in Progoffian journaling techniques. I incorporate dialogue journaling in bereavement support groups as well as 1 to 1 work with clients.

It is a safe, simple process that opens hearts and offers comfort and reassurance. Its objectives are to create a list of life steppingstones, suspend logic and judgment to explore the process of dialogue journaling and to write dialogue conversations with loved ones.

Dr. Howletts' workshops and support groups are arenas of authenticity, experience and insight. She believes that grief is a natural response to loss and that healing is a journey. She is a life long journaler and committed to helping others explore and heal. She has over 15 year’s personal experience and advanced training in dialogue journaling.