Become a
"Friend of the Center"
You can help us serve low- and no-income families with your tax-deductible contribution.
We keep our administrative and overhead costs to a minimum making your contribution really count in the lives of those trying to heal from traumatic loss and grief. (more)
Volunteers Needed
We are always looking for individuals or groups to help with maintenance and projects around our "charming little house on Grand."
The Center is also adding to its volunteer base through helpers with fundraising events, clerical support, marketing, and fundraising. Please contact us with ways you can help.
35 W Bridge Collapse
our community will continue to be impacted by this event for some time, as the ripple effects will be many. Whether you were directly impacted or not, questions may emerge.
The Center for Grief, Loss and Transition will be here as a resource to discuss the best ways for you and your loved ones to handle the many questions and emotions that may arise.
Trauma reactions are likely to supersede grief reactions in these early days. With traumatic loss there is no time for preparation, and usually no previous life experience with loss of this magnitude. There is a prolonged sense of crisis, an intense emotional affect and a tendency to isolate. Other common reactions might include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased irritability and anger
- Jumpiness or short fuse
- Difficulty recalling parts of the event
- Extreme feelings of helplessness
- Loss of sense of control and safety
- Sleep disruption
- Sense of shock
- Curiosity about the details
- Flashbacks or intrusive images of the event
- Hypervigilence
- Heightened feelings of guilt, blame, fear and anxiety
- Physical sensations such as nasuea, trembling and rapid heartbeat
During this time it is important to:
- Seek support from your loved one
- Keep to a predictable schedule and routine, especially for children
- Identify communication strategies to ensure connection. For example, arrange phone calls at predictable times so family members can check-in
- Limit exposure to media coverage of the event, especially for children
- Focus on self-care for yourself and loved ones
Seek professional support if feelings become overwhelming, abusing drugs or alcohol, having thoughts of self-harm or engaging in risky behavior.
Please feel free to contact us at 651-641-0177
Center for Grief, Loss and Transition, 2007
The Center is staffed by experienced pros with specialized education and training in the most current methods.
(meet the team)
Tom Ellis, MA
Licensed Marriage and
Family Therapist,
Executive Director, and Clinical Supervisor
Tom is a marriage and family therapist at the Center with a special focus on trauma. He is also a clinical supervisor, consultant, writer, trainer and critical incident de-briefer. (more)
Sarah Logan, MA
Program Director
Grief Therapist
Sarah provides therapy to individuals, families, groups and children. She has worked in school settings and with young mothers, teenagers and children. (more)
Katie Heckman, MS
Licensed Marriage
and Family Therapist
Katie worked with individuals in a college setting for ten years before becoming licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also taught developmental education, career development and study skills courses to young adults at the college level. (more)