The one common denominator that connect all humans around the world is the loss of someone we love. Death is a natural part of life. The loss of a loved one is probably the hardest experience one can go through. Grievers feel isolation and abandonment from family and friends. They lose their appetite, their connections, their sense of joy and the meaning of the life they once knew.
That’s where grief support groups come in. These groups offer more than just a space to talk—they provide community, understanding, and healing in ways that are both meaningful and lasting.
Attending a grief group can offer grievers:
~The realization that you indeed are not alone.
~A safe space to be honest.
~Shared wisdom and coping strategies.
~Permission to grow at your own pace.
~Opportunities for meaningful connection with other grievers.
Grief groups widely vary depending on the facilitator and attendees. They can, and do often offer an opportunity to connect with other grievers and provide a safe space to share emotions freely, without shame and judgement. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case for groups. Facilitators face many challenges with open support group settings. Often people leave groups feeling “even more sad” after listening to other’s stories over and over again. Establishing and maintaining a healthy dynamic with the group is key to a successful session.
Our Overcoming Loss Grief Group takes the idea of a ”Support Group” a step further.
Our 8-week group “Overcoming Loss” covers a myriad of topics to move you through understanding the dynamics of grief which will help lead us to healthy mourning and healing. Overcoming Loss Support Group is an experience in understanding the impact of loss and pathways to healing.
This loss group will explore the following over the 8 weeks:
~An understanding of the biology of grief.
~Explore your current state of bereavement.
~What are normal grief reactions?
~How loss has impacted your personal life.
~Identify personal barriers to mourning and understanding one’s personal journey to growth and healing.
~An understanding of the trajectory of the healing experience.
~Rituals for healthy healing.
This support group is facilitated by Daniel Hernández, M.A. Clinical Thanatologist, educator and consultant.
Testimonials from our other Grief Group Sessions:
~“I learned so much about grief and myself. The facilitator is excellent and their knowledge and expertise is beyond amazing. It was a place where I was able to share my grief in a space that was safe. It was an experience that offered the chance to create bonds with others while exploring and learning about grief. Through this experience I was able to express my loss through writing, talking, and activities. I would tell them that this was an experience that was greater than my expectations due to the person facilitating the group and to not pass on the opportunity to be a part of this special type of support group.”
~“A process of understanding and dealing with grief better by walking through weekly exercises/assignments that help you to process your grief in a unique way.”
~”The experience was rewarding, even though it was emotionally difficult. I learned so much about grief and myself. The facilitator is excellent and their knowledge and expertise is beyond amazing. It was a place where I was able to share my grief in a space that was safe. It was an experience that offered the chance to create bonds with others while exploring and learning about grief. Through this experience I was able to express my loss through writing, talking, and activities. I would tell them that this was an experience that was greater than my expectations due to the person facilitating the group and to not pass on the opportunity to be a part of this special type of support group.”
~“Literally life changing. Got me from being closed off and suffering alone to feeling open and free.”
~”Be prepared to answer hard questions, sharing and speaking about the loss and the feelings involved, it will get emotional.”
~”This may not be for everybody, especially if the loss is very recent. But if you feel stuck in moving on from your grief and it has been a while...this could be a helpful place.”
~”An intimate setting where you can share about your loved one and your experience through the grieving process.”
~”The experience was more productive and informative than any other group I have been in. Daniel has a lifetime of valuable experience, teaching tools, and information.”
~”I’m so glad that I joined this group. It helped me to process so many feelings & struggles that felt stuck inside of me. It helped me to be able to acknowledge my dad’s life & his importance to me. I’m also very glad it was in person.”
~”I would say it was a great experience and I learned things about grief that I never knew.”
Grief support groups are not a cure—but they are a powerful tool for healing. They remind us that pain shared is pain lessened, that we don’t have to carry our sorrow in silence, and that even in the depths of grief, connection and hope are still possible.
If you’re at any point in your grieving, we’d love to talk with you to see if our “Overcoming Loss” group is for you. We run this group continuously throughout the year with a few week break in-between.
Please fill out the INTEREST FORM to get started.