Men's Grief Support

Men* and Grief: An Opportunity for Men to Give and Receive Support Through the Shared Experience of Living with Loss

Grief is an inescapable part of life and the longer you live, the more grief you will likely experience. Grief is defined as the emotional, psychological, and physical state that is experienced after a loss. While grief is recognized as a universal human experience, the grieving process and expression varies across societies, cultures and individuals. Men who were raised in traditional ‘Western’ (European) cultures and societies were encouraged, at best, and forced, at worst, to be self-reliant (not to ask for help or show vulnerability), be a good provider (task based and financial), and to be stoic (endure pain or hardship without showing emotions or complaining).

At its extreme, this Western male socialization is being referred to as ‘toxic masculinity’ because of its potentially harmful consequences for men and the rest of society. For far too many men (and boys), the emotional pain associated with grief is either repressed, avoided, minimized, or experienced in isolation/solitude. The research is clear: many men suffer in silence.

*This is a complimentary grief support event for men only.

What to Expect

This grief support event is intended to provide a safe space for men to normalize the conversation around loss, grief, and pain. A space where sharing, giving and receiving support, and receiving new tools to journey and cope with loss and grief happen with compassion, understanding, and grace.

The event flows as follows:

2:45 pm Doors open, light refreshments served

3:00 pm Welcome and introductions

3:05 pm Discussion begins

4:00 pm (approx) Refreshment Break

5:00 pm Event draws to a close

About The Facilitator

Dr. David St. Arnault, R. Psych. (AB)



David is a psychologist in private practice at Glenora Registered Psychologists in Edmonton, an Associate Faculty in the Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality Program at St. Stephen’s College, and an Adjunct Academic Colleague in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta. He maintains a diverse clinical practice, providing psychotherapy and formal assessment to various populations (school-aged children, adolescents, and adults) with a specialized focus in traumatic stress and couples/family therapy. David also has been a lead facilitator for the Anchor men’s support group at Momentum Counselling in Edmonton, since its inception in 2014. He is passionate about supporting people to heal, cope, and thrive in their lives. 

In his personal life, David is also a mini-van driving husband and father of two energetic young boys. He enjoys watching, coaching, and playing soccer, running in the river valley with his dog, and outdoor family time. His training, education, and life experience have taught him the importance of having a daily balanced practice of reflecting on both his gratitude for what he has, along with his grief and sorrow for what he has lost or never received.

"Varying reasons for being here; different relationships that have been lost. Good variety."

Gibson

"The group and facilitator are very open and welcoming. There is no pressure to talk."

Scott

"It was an opportunity to share and hear stories of grief from others walking their own unique paths as they try to heal."

Cole