Teen Grief Group
We grieve alone, but heal together
Teen Grief Group and Book Writing Project (2016-Present)
In the aftermath of her daughter’s teen suicide, Susi, Maitri House founder led a multi-year teen grief support group for the surviving friends. What came from those meetings was a methodology, experience and desire to share the lessons learned with other teens, parents and schools through a book writing project called: “Bawling in the Fast Lane” (forthcoming)
“Having space to talk about grief where you are able to listen, as well as contribute, has really helped me. I’m not always the most vocal person about my feelings because often I don’t really know what I’m feeling. Participating in a group of people and hearing about what they’re feeling made me realize that we were all feeling something similar. While our experiences with grief was never the same, being in a group setting helped me connect not only with Leila (the deceased) but with all of these big emotions. I don’t think I could have muddled through alone.” - Clara P.
Healing cultural losses & building strength
“Riding at Big Dog helped me to be more confident and explore things not in my comfort zone. My confidence grew. I used to be shy and quiet, and I used to be scared of dogs. There were two big dogs there! Now, I try new things I am not confident about. I explore my community and I have become a leader. I am involved. I am braver. I’ve learned new things about the wider community.”
—Nah, age 11. Karen Refugee from Myanmar.
Susi has worked with many diverse immigrant and refugee support groups lasting 6-12 months. Her groups have focussed on citizenship education, cultural adjustment and emotional wellness support for groups experiencing loss and trauma leaving home countries and the stresses of adapting to new homes while processing many serious losses. Susi initiated and facilitated a basketball-focused youth group for Somali boys’ (Team of Dreams) and led weekly support groups for Bhutanese/Nepali girls who’d suffered trauma from human trafficking in the refugee camps. She also engaged refugee youth in therapeutic horseback riding group for healing grief and building self-esteem.
Susi has taught Service-Learning courses at Portland State University (2017-2018) connecting university students with refugees for cross-cultural experiences and shared learning in Portland, Oregon. The PSU students were matched with refugees and immigrant newcomers to ‘walk in each-others’ shoes’ to their respective neighborhood spaces. The exchanges and course dialogues also touched on losses, building trust and developing empathy across cultural groups.
“Susi, your honesty, integrity and cultural respect shine through your interactions with peers and refugees you work with. Thank you!” — Tara, PSU Capstone Student 2018
Erika has facilitated many healing community groups and, she has a deep respect for and collaborative work history with Indigenous voices in Oregon. She received this note from a friend and former colleague:
“Kwathlanawashamash, Erika! We met many years ago. Your kindness reached many many circles throughout our communities blessed to have your presence. You’ve listened, you’ve learned, you’ve taught, and you’ve shared. We are forever grateful.” — Jefferson Greene, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Founder & Executive Director of CRIID.
Outdoor Education in the Columbia Gorge
Bill was at the Sandy River Delta with a 3rd grade class of students. As they were hiking toward the outdoor education site, one of the students decided to take the lead, ahead of Bill. The student said with confidence: “I know where this trail leads.” To which Bill replied: “Oh, ok, but you’ve never been here before.”
The student repeated: “I know where this trail goes.” So, Bill asked: So “Where does this trail go?”
Student: “To awesomeness”
Bill: “Ah, please lead us on this trail then.” This is the model of experiential learning Bill encourages.