Helpful Articles
You Must Make Friends with the Darkness Before You Can Enter the Light
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. A paradox is a seemingly self-contradictory statement or situation that is in fact often true. The paradox of mourning we

Creative and Unique Ideas for Honoring a Loved One in a Funeral Service: A Comprehensive Guide
The loss of a loved one can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience, and planning a funeral service can be overwhelming. It can be
The Misconception of the Funeral as a Rite of Closure
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Raise your hand if you’ve heard that funeral ceremonies help you achieve “closure.” It’s a common misconception. When someone we

The affordability of cremation: How to save money on funeral expenses
Losing a loved one is never easy, and planning a funeral can be a stressful and emotional experience. One of the most significant concerns for
Mustering the Courage to Mourn
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. “Whatever you do, you need courage.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson Loss brings uninvited pain into our lives. In opening to
Helping a Friend or Family Member After a Cancer Diagnosis
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. While half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes,

Understanding the Stages of Grief: What to Expect and How to Cope After Losing a Loved One
Losing a loved one can be one of the most challenging experiences anyone can go through. Whether it’s the death of a parent, child, spouse,
Helping Yourself Heal When Someone You Care About Dies of a Drug Overdose
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. A friend or family member has died of a drug overdose. Death and grief are always hard, but when someone
Love and Grief: In Communion and Greater Than the Sum of Their Parts
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. “We are all mirrors unto one another. Look into me and you will find something of yourself as I will

The Benefits of Pre-Planning Cremation Services
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the last thing you want your family to deal with is the stress and financial burden of
Helping Yourself Heal During the Holiday Season
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Holidays are often difficult for anyone who has experienced the death of someone loved. Rather than being times of family
Helping Yourself Heal When Your Parent Dies
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Your mother or father has died. Whether you had a good, bad or indifferent relationship with the parent who died,

The Different Types of Cremation Services Available to Families
Losing a loved one is never easy, and planning their final arrangements can be a difficult and emotional experience. One of the decisions you’ll need
Helping Yourself Heal When Someone Loved Dies
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Someone You Love Has Died You are now faced with the difficult, but important, need to mourn. Mourning is the
The Teeter-Totter of Resilience and Vulnerability in Grief
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. “To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.” — Criss