WHAT G.L.A. IS NOT

Grief and Loss Anonymous

Grief and Loss Anonymous is not:

1. A place for judgment or criticism – Meetings are supportive and non-judgmental environments where individuals can share their experiences without fear of being criticized or shamed.

2. A quick fix or solution – Recovery from grief and loss is a journey that takes time, and meetings are not intended to provide immediate solutions or "cures," but rather support and guidance for the healing process.

3. A substitute for professional therapy – While meetings can provide valuable peer support, they are not a replacement for professional therapy or counseling, especially in cases of complex grief or trauma.

4. A platform for comparing grief experiences – Every individual's grief experience is unique, and meetings are not meant to be places for comparing or minimizing each other's experiences, but rather opportunities for understanding and support through shared similarities.

5. A space for promoting specific religious or spiritual beliefs – While spirituality and faith can be important aspects of coping with grief, meetings are inclusive and respectful, welcoming a diversity of beliefs and backgrounds.

6. A place for gossip or personal attacks – Respect for others is paramount in Grief and Loss Anonymous meetings; gossip and personal attacks are not tolerated.

7. A substitute for personal responsibility – Although meetings provide support and encouragement to all, everyone is responsible for their own recovery journey and for taking proactive steps towards healing and growth.

8. An enabler of destructive behaviors – Meetings encourage healthy coping mechanisms and do not condone or enable harmful or self-destructive behaviors.

9. An environment of negativity – While meetings acknowledge and validate shared feelings of sadness and pain, their primary objective is to serve as incubators of mutual support, resilience, and hope.

10. A one-size-fits-all approach – Since every individual's recovery journey through grief and loss is unique, there is no one-way to heal.