No parent should outlive his or her child. When your loss is the result of an overdose or related misadventure, the trauma of that loss can be even more devastating. Finding support around such a particular—and, in some ways, stigmatized—kind of loss, like an overdose death, can be difficult.
It used to be that people thought of grief as having a plan—you went from point A to point B and, eventually, you got through it. It turns out that grief—particularly when it is associated with a traumatic loss—is much more complicated than that. It can come in waves and, at times, be almost completely debilitating. It can rest on your shoulder like a small, slightly intrusive shadow or completely interfere with the simplest of day-to-day activities.
One of the keys to healing—and in some ways one of the most difficult to find—is finding a place to share your experience with those who can understand it. Joining with a group who share an empathetic spirit can help you to move forward through your grief and into a place of healing.
I am Jim Angelo and as a counselor, I can empathize with your struggle to reclaim your center and, in some ways, claim your life, not as it was, but as it is now. As a parent who has lost a child to overdose, I also share—and understand—your unique experience of both loss and grief. Working together—and with other parents who have had the same experience—we can unlock the key to your healing, identifying the places of grief that may have you paralyzed and work toward find some semblance of peace in midst of your distress.
If you feel ready to move into and through your grief, regaining a sense of well-being and re-establishing a sense of connection, belonging and purpose, then feel free to call me or contact me to get more details on our support group and how it can help you better manage your grief and what lays beyond.
Meet Your Group Facilitator
My own experience allows me to be empathetic to my clients’ situation, while at the same time direct in the work we do together. Part of this involves looking at your whole picture—mind, body and spirit—addressing not just your vulnerabilities and the places you’re stuck, but also your strengths and learning how to use them to best advantage. You not only hold the key to healing yourself, but you are your own best resource for revealing the source of your strength.
I’m looking forward to working with you personally and the other resilient group members who share our experience as no one else could.
What People Are Saying About Jim Angelo
There is a quote, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Jim has experienced a loss like no other. He has made it his life’s work to turn that loss into a powerful way to support others’. He has struggled himself with making the choice to keep his heart open in the face of his devastating loss. He will be with participants as a guide in the journey to keep living with your heart open.
Robin Rittinger, LPC, ATR
In all the years we’ve known each other and worked together, I have seen, time and again, Jim’s inexhaustible empathy and understanding when it comes to clients. He consistently displays grace and composure in the face of tragedy and struggle—both his and others. His direct, no nonsense approach plays to a person’s strengths, supporting them in healing themselves and finding their way back to solid ground. For these reasons I am honored to have him be part of my practice.
Dr. David Hovey, Psy.D., LPC
I highly recommend Jim Angelo and his work as a therapist. Jim has a warm and caring nature, he has extensive expertise and experience in the field of grief and as a guide in this process.
Dr. Dori Gatter, Psy.D., LPC