FAN Workshop May 18th Addresses Issues of Grief/Loss 

“Chronic Sorrow: Coping with Sadness and Loss”

Facilitated by DJ Pappas, LCSW 

Parenting a child with special needs means an ongoing adjustment to family life and the role of being a parent. It is not the fantasy we created for ourselves when we dreamed of becoming a parent and it can result in us harboring chronic sorrow, often unexpressed and hidden from public view. Chronic sorrow is the disparity between the ideal and the real situation and many factors can affect the intensity and appearance of its existence within us. Parental personalities, severity of the child’s disability and adequate support/services provided are a few of the elements contributing to the impact of sadness in our lives. In this workshop, participants will:  

• Explore the role of chronic sorrow and impact on daily living
• Explain the range of emotions parents experience in this journey
• Types of life challenges faced by raising a special needs child
• Strategies for improving coping skills
• Identify unique styles used to balance facets of life
• Importance of attention to self-care


This workshop is offered free of charge to participants, however, a $10 donation is suggested in an effort to help FAN offset expenses. Immediately following the workshop there will be a free support group for parents of special needs children facilitated by Sally Maslansky, MFT, 11:30am-1:00pm.