Class Title: The Healing Power of Reminiscence: Celebrating Memories for Bereavement Instructor: Robin Edgar Class Term: February 6-March 5, 2012 enroll in this class Synopsis "The Healing Power of Reminiscence" focuses on using sense memory to help the participants recognize and value the individuals and incidents that shaped their lives. This creative process is an effective tool for finding forgiveness, building self esteem, planning long term care, and coping with loss due to illness (such as Alzheimer's) or to the death of a loved one. Class Description We will use email to deliver lessons and offer feedback, and a Yahoo group for class discussion/dialogue. The facilitator will email a lesson each week, using an example and prompts. Participants will write a story based on the prompts and email it to the facilitator as a Word attachment. The facilitator will respond with indepth feedback within 72 hours. Participants will have the option of sharing their stories with the group. With a variety of creative reminiscence methods (including sense memory prompts and interactive interview techniques), this workshop allows for private reflection and the opportunity to work independently and/or as a group. Outline Unit 1. Introduction to the effectiveness of reminiscence writing for an individual coping with loss due to illness or death. Unit 2. Recalling and recording significant memories. Unit 3. Using reminiscence writing to establish rituals. Unit 4. Interactive review of individual stories with questions and answers. Student Skills, Equipment, and Time Required Participants will need Word, Internet access, and an email address. They will do the writing on their own time as they practice and master the techniques being discussed. Tuition/Fees for this course SCN members: $128. Non-SCN members: $160. Instructor Bio A professional writer for over 30 years, Robin A. Edgar teaches the use of sense memory to recall and recognize the individuals and incidents that shaped one's life. She has offered workshops for organizations such as Hospice, Parkinson, and Alzheimer's Associations, as well as for social workers, chaplains, nurses, counselors, volunteers, and family caregivers. Ms. Edgar's book, In My Mother's Kitchen: An Introduction To The Healing Power Of Reminiscence, is listed in several grief resource catalogues, including those for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and Centering Corporation.