Healing Spaces: A Virtual Grief Group for Women Veterans
In response to the unique challenges faced by women Veterans, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s (TVHS) Chaplain Services has launched an 8-week virtual grief group, providing a supportive space to navigate the challenges of grief and loss.
The group aims to provide long-term coping skills and a comfortable space for honoring loved ones.
Every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. women Veterans log on to Microsoft TEAMS to attend the virtual sessions, focused on joining a community of fellow Veterans to accomplish their healing goals. TVHS Chaplain Woodretta Allen emphasized the importance of having a goal, encouraging participants to embark on a journey of self-improvement.
“Grief is hard, and it means work,” said Allen. “Having a goal helps you build yourself up to work on it. It can start small, like simply admitting to yourself that you’re angry or sad.”
With an open invitation for more participants to join, the virtual sessions foster connection through shared experiences. To begin creating a supportive online environment for others, Allen shared her personal grief story about the passing of her mother to describe her personal journey with grief and healing. Additionally, the session curriculum frequently references the book “Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart,” by Alan D. Wolfelt. The book offers wisdom and invites Veterans to engage in a shared experience through reading.
The group adheres to specific rules to ensure a balanced and respectful sharing space, including having participants keep their cameras on for a more engaged connection.
“I can’t help you if I can’t see you,” expressed Allen. “Also, we provide feedback like head nodding and hand waving to show support. That feedback is encouraging and important.”
A powerful component of the group is the emphasis on articulating grief stories. Allen believes in the healing power of sharing one's story, by citing the poem "Elephant in the Room," by Terry Kettering. Learning to express grief enables healing and offers participants the chance to keep the memories of their loved ones close in a healthy way. For some, grief is often a silent struggle, but in this online arena, sharing stories creates an impactful narrative of healing and solidarity.
“After our first session, two Veterans expressed, ‘I now feel like I am not alone,’” beamed Allen.
Allen underscores the confidentiality of the grief group, reassuring participants that what happens in the sessions stays within the group. Only completed attendance is documented, maintaining the Veteran’s privacy.
The virtual grief group is more than a series of online sessions; it’s a community empowering women Veterans to navigate their unique grief journeys together. Through coping skills, story sharing, and meaningful activities, a comfortable space is created for healing. Chaplain Services are for all Veterans, and serves to minister inclusively, regardless of spirituality or faith affiliation. To enroll, email or call Chaplain Allen at woodretta.allen@va.gov or (615) 873-6983.
Schedule:
Thursday, Jan. 25
Thursday, Feb. 1
Thursday, Feb. 8
Thursday, Feb. 15
Thursday, Feb. 22
Thursday, Feb. 29
Thursday, March 7
Thursday, March 14