Reparative ceremonies

Many individuals and families suffer with complicated grief over the loss of a loved one, because they had any of these unfortunate experiences:

-a funeral that was poorly done, did not accurately reflect their loved one’s values and personality, and it was not a comfort

-family conflict prior to and at the funeral that created division and stress

-did not have a ceremony because the family couldn’t gather, couldn’t agree on what to do, or individuals were excluded by family, or were forbidden in advance by the deceased loved one to have a ceremony.

-thought at the time ceremony wasn’t important, and later regretted not having one

Each of these examples was a missed opportunity to grieve and heal. Clients have expressed to me they are still in pain, feel something is missing, and can’t move forward. They recognize it’s because they never had a ceremony to honor this important loss in a way they could relate to.

A reparative ceremony addresses this need, it provides:

-what was missing from the original experience. This would be tailored according to your specific situation.

-support and comfort

-an honest voice for love, sorrow, painful emotions, the truth of what needs to be said

-helps you integrate the memories and gifts of this relationship into a new reality of life without this loved one

-bolsters personal strength and strengthens family bonds.

It’s never too late to have a reparative ceremony, even if it has been decades since the loss. That wound in your heart can finally begin healing.

“When my father lay sick and dying, he and his widow made a pact. They decided to not have any funeral, burial or memorial upon their deaths. As a result, I had no way to offer a eulogy, say goodbye or express my grief in any organized way. With Elizabeth Phaire’s guidance, understanding and experience, I was able to go beyond what those other staid observations would have given me. Elizabeth created a personal and meaningful ceremony, a way to transform and grow in a way I never expected. Even though my father wanted nothing, I wanted something and Elizabeth made it happen.” ~Scott B.