What is Seasons?
Seasons is a unique peer support program developed to help children and young people cope with the grief and feelings of loss resulting from separation, divorce or death.
Why is a program like Seasons necessary?
Children and young people need effective help when grief and loss overpower their thoughts feelings and behaviour, often resulting in life patterns of denial, isolation and depression.
Why is the program called Seasons?
Seasons is based on the concept of the ‘seasons of the year’ as an image not only of the particular moments in time when grief and loss is experienced in a specific way, but also the changes and movements of grief over time.
Is Seasons a therapy program?
Seasons is not a therapy program, but rather a peer support program guided by a trained adult.
Establishing a Seasons program
Seasons a ten session program of around 40 minutes a session, comprises 5 or 6 children and/or young people per group. It is written at five developmental levels to cater for different age groups
What elements does a Seasons session incorporate?
Discussion and Dialogue
Story
Literature and Poetry
Drama
Art
Writing
Music and Song
Relaxation and Meditation exercises
Symbols
Rituals
Celebrations
Silence and Reflection
Does the program need any other material?
Seasons is accompanied by a journal for each developmental level. Journals are integral to the program and are used by each participant. Journals are not workbooks, but contain words and drawings to encourage a response. Seasons also includes a list of resources that is continuously updated.
Does Seasons have a Quality Control system?
Seasons uses the Seasons Quality System designed to ensure best practice and progressive improve-ment as the program evolves Seasons is not a static program.
Who runs the Seasons program?
Seasons is facilitated by an adult ‘Companion’. Whilst the Companions require training, the use of the program, persons conducting the Seasons program do not require tertiary qualifications. They operate the program under an agreed auspice body.
A Seasons Companion is a person with a commitment to the program philosophy and content and an understanding of the process of grief. ‘Companions’ use their own wisdom, intuition, interpersonal skills and their sensitivity to feelings, to ensure an attentiveness to the needs of the child and young person.
Is Seasons only for Catholics?
No. Seasons can be used within different religious beliefs, cultures and age groups.
Where can the Seasons program be held?
Seasons can be used in schools, parishes, community, health and welfare settings.
Who does Seasons help?
The program offers the opportunity for children and young people between the ages of 5 and 18 years of age to share their story and support each other.
Who developed the Seasons program?
Seasons was developed by Centacare Catholic Family Services in Australia in response to 60 years experience of working with individuals and families through counselling.
The program is up to date and based on current theories and direct experience over the last 15 years of conducting programs in grief and loss.
What does Seasons really do for people?
Seasons creates a safe place for sharing and valuing of memories and exploring each individual’s story of grief. Seasons provides children and young persons with the opportunity to ask questions and express dreams and hopes by acknowledging normalizing and integrating their grief.
Who else can Seasons help?
Seasons provides programs for adults youth experiencing homelessness and children and young people who know someone with a life threatening illness.
comfort you
May the Autumn Leaves
watch over you
May the Winter Winds
strengthen you
May the Spring Flowers
grow with you and
May each season show you
the way to live the best
you can.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE SEASONS SESSIONS
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A Time for Every Season
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Season’s Imagery
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Purpose |
Session1 Belonging to the Season’s group
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Each person can have imagery of the seasons that links their own life events |
Each person’s seasons of loss and change are acknowledged as a building of self-esteem support and trust is fostered |
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Autumn – A Time to React session2 Feelings
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As the autumn tree loses its leaves and seems to be exposed and vulnerable, so too may we in a time of loss, grief and change. |
Each person is invited to explore their feelings that are manifestations of normal grief and is helped to find ways to understand and show their emotions in appropriate ways. The most common feelings we have are safe, angry, happy, scared and lonely.
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Winter – A Time to be Still sessions 4 My Story
and 5 |
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Many people say that their time of grief is like the cold and dark of winter. Winter gives a sense of being inside and of hibernation. It forces us to seek energy and warmth. It can be a time for reflection and for seeking comfort. |
Each person is invited to share their story of loss and grief. The retelling of the experience may give new insights and understandings. Each person receives time and encouragement to talk about the loss and to share what he/she wants to with the group |
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Spring – A time to Recreate session 6 Memories
session 7 Change |
We can cherish the memories as we open our eyes to new possibilities.
Spring brings an array of changes. There is a call to become involved in the colour and energy of spring as we struggle out of the ‘cocoon’ of sadness |
Each person is invited to reaffirm the value of the person from whom they are separated. The need to remember and commemorate is a part of healthy grieving.
Each person is invited to identify the changes in their lives that are the result of the loss. They will be encouraged to look at their reactions to these changes as they explore ways to adjust.
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Summer – A Time for Activity session 8 Managing the Loss
session 9 Moving On |
In our grieving there comes a time when we see ways to manage our loss. We need to be realistic about our need for protection and support. Each season has its beginning, middle and end. The seasons overlap, interact and depend on each other. Summer brings an end to many goals and plans of the past year. It also brings the challenge to plan for the new year.
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Each person is offered the opportunity to find ways to manage the loss in their lives. The available supports are explored and their own inner resources drawn upon. Each person is invited to reflect on the beginnings, middle and endings of their Seasons group. They will look at their own realistic hopes and plans for the future as they acknowledge the need to move on with their lives. They will acknowledge that the process of grief is long term. |
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A Time to Celebrate Session 10 A Celebration |
The growth, life and loss that each season brings, remind us of the reality of our own lives. We gain insights into our own lives as we celebrate the blessings of the seasons. The cycle of life continues. ] |
Each person is celebrated and their experience of loss and grief acknowledged. The support given and received as members of this Seasons group is affirmed. |
For further information please contact:
Centacare Toowoomba
Cnr Annand & Union St,
PO Box 1733
Toowoomba
Ph 4688 3100 Fax: 4632 8340
Email: centacare@tmba.centacare.org.au
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