“Grieving is like being in a fog: you can’t see much, and you wonder if people can see you. Seasons for Growth helped lift the fog.”

Seasons for Growth strengthens the emotional and mental well-being of adults who are adapting to experiences of change, loss and grief in their lives, such as death, separation and divorce

The program is evidence-based and uses the imagery of the seasons to describe and understand the experience of change, loss and grief. Trained ‘Companions’ facilitate small groups where participants support and learn from each other in engaging activities. Participants learn that change and loss are a natural part of life and that they are not alone in dealing with the effects of these experiences. They also learn communication, decision making and problem-solving skills to support them to adapt to their new circumstances.

Who is it for?
Adults who are living with the effects of change and loss. Many factors can cause change such as:
• Impacts of natural disasters and COVID-19
• Family separation
• Loss of someone or something you love
• Relocation
• Impact of illness
• Family work-life changes
• Individuals imprisoned

Change affects everyone differently, as does grief. It’s the impact of the change, not the event itself that Seasons for Growth focuses on. We suggest that anyone affected by bereavement wait 6-12 months before participating in a Seasons for Growth program.

How does it work?
Seasons for Growth is a small group program that combines psychology and education with peer support, within a person centred learning approach. It uses the metaphor of the seasons to explore the cyclic nature of grief, and is underpinned by William Worden’s tasks of grieving. The program aims to normalise participants’ experiences, and can increase protective factors (including building personal resilience and social skills) while minimising some risk factors (including isolation) that influence mental health and wellbeing. It also supports the development of communication, decision making and problem solving skills.

“Seasons for Growth challenged me with aspects of forgiveness and letting go..."

Run over 8 sessions, Exploring the Seasons of Grief is a small group (up to 12 participants) grief and loss program. Trained Companions for the small group program are mental health clinicians from the Metro South Disaster Recovery Team who have undertaken two-day training workshop and subsequent accreditation processes with MacKillop Seasons in addition to their specialist qualification.

Group times
Wednesday, 20th of November 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Friday, 22nd of November 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday, 27th of November 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Friday, 29th of November 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday, 4th of December 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Friday, 6th of December 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday, 11th of December 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Friday, 13th of December 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Outcomes
Seasons for Growth provides the support and space for adults to:
• Learn how different people respond to change, loss and grief
• Understand that it is normal to experience a range of grief reactions
• Explore new approaches to dealing with change, loss and grief in their lives
• Build communication, decision making and problem solving skills
• Participate in a supportive network of peers and adults
• Integrate their new learning into their relationships with family, friends and others.