Therapeutic not therapy : the impact of an educational program for coping with loss and grief associated with living with people with disabilities

The Seasons for Growth program is an educational intervention designed to assist children and adults in managing grief and loss. This study focuses on the impact of the adult program on participants who are carers of individuals with disabilities, but also includes descriptive statistical data from other community members who are managing issues of loss and grief situations including women inmates, mental health consumers, and general adult groups. Surveys of Companions (facilitators) and participants provide strong support for the program in consistently bringing about perceived positive changes in their own personal situations. The limitations of the research and issues related to the enhancement of resilience of grieving adults are discussed.