FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What groups/populations does this program serve?
Grief to Grace addresses the resulting psychological, emotional, and spiritual trauma for adults who have suffered from the scourge of abuse, whether it be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as abandonment or neglect. This includes but is not limited to individuals who have been abused by family members, relatives, clergy, and others.
Do I have to be a Christian to come on a retreat?
No. The Grief to Grace program retreat is designed to bring healing to all the wounds of trauma, including the spiritual wounds. Although the Grief to Grace program was written from a Judeo/Christian point of view, we welcome people of any or no religious practice. No one is ever pressured or expected to change their practice or adopt a new one.
What is the benefit of mixing survivors of clergy abuse with other survivors who have been abused in family systems or other institutional settings?
Those who have suffered abuse by members of the clergy have reported that it was extremely helpful for them to hear the many stories of those who were abused by family members and others. They claim it ‘was powerful in expanding their notion of who is a “victim” and helped them move from rage and anger into their own grief and healing.'
Why do you include both men and women on the retreat? Don’t they each need their own retreat? This does not feel safe to me.
We take great care to provide an environment that is safe and supportive for everyone who attends our retreat seeking the same thing – healing from the wounds of abuse. By going through the retreat process together women and men recognize that, as survivors of abuse, they share many of the same wounds and desire for freedom. Along the way a great deal of fear, shame and blame falls away, replaced by greater appreciation and respect for one another.
What if I am not in the Twin Cities Area?
There is no boundary limit for where one travels from to attend our retreat programs. Sometimes people prefer the anonymity of being away from home and there are six other cities in the U.S. that host the Grief to Grace program. For those cities and dates please go to the international website: www.grieftograce.org
What do I do after Grief to Grace?
Stay connected – visit the Resources Tab and Blog on our website and online education and gatherings
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Join the Monthly Meetups online community
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Follow the suggestions and tools introduced for self-care
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Volunteer at your church or a program whose mission feeds your spirit
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Find a trauma therapist
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Find a spiritual director or a faith-based life coach
How much does it cost?
The 5-day overnight program provides you about 40 hours of specialized group trauma therapy with credentialed therapists, a private room and bathroom accommodation, meals, and fees for program materials - approximately $1,800 (scholarship assistance may be available).
Our teams are comprised of therapists, specially trained clergy/pastors and lay team members who volunteer their time to staff our retreats. Partial scholarships may be available for those with qualifying need.
How is the retreat structured?
More information on the retreat is available on the International Grief to Grace website: Grief to Grace
For a detailed overview of the retreat structure, visit the International Grief to Grief website under About: Media and scroll to the bottom of the page to view the Grief to Grace Overview. Or click here to view: Grief to Grace Overview
OR request more information using the link below and one of the Grief to Grace staff will respond to you.