Do men grieve differently? According to Laurence Akins, M.A., certified pastoral chaplain for Hospice of the North Shore Greater Boston, they do.
“The way men grieve is not often accepted as a mode of healing for the loss of a loved one,” Atkins said. “Women tend to use a traditional verbal and emotional expression for a grief model. Men tend to be quieter and less visible. They may appear less connected with the past and more aligned with action.”
Atkins will lead an upcoming class for men focusing on a practical guide to the mechanics of grief and ritual. There will be four separate classes for men to attend on April 2, 9, 16 or 23. Participants can attend one or more of these free classes, which will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bertolon Center for Grief Healing, 78 Liberty St., Danvers.
This group will be conducted with a lot of conversation that will be directed toward what the members want to talk about as they are dealing with grief, and resources will be provided based on the needs of the group.
While the support group is free, advance registration is required. For more information and to register, contact the Bertolon Center for Grief Healing at 978-774-5100, email grief@hns.org or visit hnsgb.org.