(Courtesy of Kaplen JCC on the Palisades) A bereavement group for those recently widowed provides people with a meaningful opportunity to share their feelings with others who understand. Therapist Judy Brauner, LCSW, who has been leading bereavement workshops at the JCC for years, facilitates the group, creates a comfortable environment and encourages people to talk about changes in their family life, social relationships and sense of self.

“People who have experienced a life-altering loss benefit greatly from sharing their grief and having their pain acknowledged by others who have been through a similar experience,” said Brauner. “A good support group provides a forum where people can share and bond, and what I often witness in facilitating these groups is that many people who attend them make enduring friendships that help them heal. They continue to meet and connect long after the program ends because they share powerful commonalities and take real comfort in opening themselves to others. Life doesn’t end after a loss and when people are willing to reach out they frequently find renewed hope and joy—which is the ultimate goal.”

Brauner is a graduate of Columbia and NYU and has maintained a private practice as a psychotherapist since 1991. She specializes in helping people cope with depression, anxiety and relationship concerns in an effort to assist them transition through their loss and despair so they can regain rich and satisfying lives.

The group will meet for seven Monday evenings, 6:15-7:45 p.m., August 5-September 23. Registration required. Call Esther at 201-408-1456. Cost is $115 for JCC members, $145 public.