FAQ's
Moving Towards Better: A Widow/er’s Forum for Healing
Six-Week Forum
FAQs
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1. What is the goal of the six-week Forum?
The material is designed to assist and support participants in developing a customized plan for moving towards better (MTB). Individuals will have their own definition of what MTB means to them. Course Facilitators, experiential exercises and group collaboration will help participants create a roadmap and implementation plan for moving towards better.
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2. What is the structure of the six-week Forum?
We will guide participants in developing the skills necessary to move towards better on a daily basis, continuing the healing process, leading to a more resilient, happy, and fulfilling life.
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3. Is the experience similar to a grief support group?
Not really. The six-week forum is designed to facilitate your personal growth and re-invention in your new de-coupled role. The focus is primarily future oriented, not to look back, nor remain in place. It will provide some structure to help you move forward, in an environment where there are few rules, standard operating procedures or guidelines.
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4. Why was this program developed?
This program was developed when two grieving people, one who lost her husband and one who lost his wife, shared their experiences and successes with each other. Both individuals struggled mightily with their grieving process. Each was looking for strategies, tactics and initiatives to recover and move forward towards happiness. Both found the standard grief support groups to be lacking in specific methodology in moving towards better. This program was created to share critical learnings and growth experiences with those on similar life journeys.
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5. What can I expect when participating?
The program is designed to assist participants to discover what is most important to them in several core areas: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Participants will be responsible for developing and implementing incremental MTB strategies each week and sharing, if they desire, their progress in a group environment. Private one-on-one “coaching sessions” are also available as requested by participants.
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6. Who should register for this program?
You must be a widow or widower to enroll in this program. The amount of time since your de-coupling event is not critical, as individuals will be at different healing points on their road to happiness. What is important is that you want to move forward and are willing to be an active contributor on your own road to success and happiness. This is a program for those wanting to take charge of their own re-invention process and be masters of their own destiny.
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7. Is there a cost for this program?
There is no charge to participate in the program. The program is graciously sponsored by the Tikvah Center for Jewish Recovery and Healing in Northbrook, IL. We do ask that if you have received some value from the program, please refer others who may benefit. Also, any donations provided are greatly appreciated and will defer the cost of materials and operations. Donations can be made to Tikvah Center for Jewish Recovery and Healing, 3320 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062, Attn: Moving Towards Better Forum.
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8. Does the program embrace a particular religious teaching?
Yes, the foundational direction and influences of the course are established in Judaic teachings and education; however, participants of all backgrounds and denominations are welcome.
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9. Is the program led by a licensed Therapist or Social Worker?
No, the program is not led by a licensed clinician. This group is community-led and community based, led by fellow travelers. Should any emergency arise, the group will utilize emergency support services and individuals should rely on their mental health support team.
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10. What is the typical size of the group forum session? - Group size is from 4-6 people. Sessions are interactive and adaptive, and keeping groups small ensures proper time for processing of materials and activities.
11. How often are the MTB forums offered? We try and offer the forum 4 times during the year, depending upon participant needs and availability.
12. Are the forums live in-person events only or are they offered online as well? The forum sessions work best in a live, interactive environment. To date, we have only offered the forums as an in-person event. However, we are open to considering an online forum if this meets the needs of the community.
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13. What is the program registration process?
There are several options here:
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Online registration
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14. Is there a consent or release form required to participate?
Yes. To respect and protect the privacy and confidentiality of communications within the group environment, it is mandatory to sign a consent form.
