Two special eight-week grief support groups will launch in March, offering education and an opportunity to talk to others who are on a similar journey with grief.
Early Grief will begin March 6 and meet for eight consecutive Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. for those dealing with a recent loss (within one year); and Living With Grief will take place Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. starting on March 5. Additional series will be offered later in the year.
While there’s an opportunity to connect with others, these groups also offer a structured framework that can be really beneficial for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of grief. This structure can be especially valuable because it prompts discussion, helping individuals explore different aspects of grief without feeling like they have to come up with topics on their own.
“I really like that aspect of it,” said Keely Rhiannon, Lead Grief Counselor for Angela Hospice. “We are going to offer that educational component to kind of offset and allow them to just be present with others, and receive that validation and that normalization without necessarily having to share the whole time.”
Below are some frequently asked questions meant to help you learn more about the groups, and whether they might be a good fit for you. You can also call our Grief Care team at 734.464.3277 for more information.
Why are these support groups limited to 12 people? And what does a ‘closed group’ mean?
The decision to limit the group size to 12 helps keep the group manageable and fosters meaningful connections. Grieving can be emotionally taxing, and forming new relationships during this time can feel overwhelming. Therapeutically, 12 is an ideal number because it strikes a balance—offering enough diversity in perspectives without overloading participants.
The benefit of a closed group (as opposed to an open group, where anyone can join at any time) is that it allows for deeper, more stable relationships. Grieving individuals often struggle with regulating their nervous system, and constantly having new faces entering the space can be destabilizing. In a closed group, participants know exactly who will be there each week, eliminating the need to reintroduce themselves. This stability helps create a safe, consistent environment where members can build trust and feel more comfortable sharing.
You have the Early Grief Group, and the Living With Grief group. What is the focus of each of these groups?
Early Grief is that acute first year where a lot of times we’re in this very foggy grief brain, and we’re just kind of floating through life. Living With Grief focuses on the second year after a loss, when that fog starts to dissipate so we’re able to process the grief in a slightly different way. Our dysregulation, logistics, and practical ways of needing support are going to change as well, in terms of what we need in the first year versus what we need moving forward. Separating the groups based on this timeline helps address those evolving needs.
Being in a group where others are at a similar stage in their grief can be particularly helpful. One of the advantages of this is that participants don’t have to explain why they’re there. While losses may be different, the timeline is similar, which fosters a sense of connection. In open groups, for example, there may be someone who lost a loved one 10 years ago and someone else who is still in the first month of their grief. While the wisdom of someone further along can be incredibly valuable, there can sometimes be a disconnect between the two, especially for newer grievers who can’t yet imagine how to cope 10 years down the road. By grouping people at similar stages, we create a more cohesive environment where individuals can more easily connect and support each other.
How does a person know when they should attend a grief group?
One thing to consider is our social support system. If you’re considering a group versus one-on-one counseling, you may want to consider whether you would feel more comfortable in a group setting.
Another important consideration is whether you have spaces where you can openly talk about your loved one without feeling pressured to stop or hide your emotions. Some people may not have that kind of outlet, either due to a lack of social support or because their friends and family don’t fully understand their grief. For those individuals, a support group can be beneficial as it provides a space to talk about their loved one without burdening others or feeling like they have to protect their loved ones from their grief.
In a group setting, individuals often find that their grief is acknowledged in a way that allows them to narrate their experience. Sharing their story with others helps them identify which parts of their grief they might want to share with their family or friends.
So if people want to join but they’re not comfortable sharing, is that okay?
Absolutely. We always encourage participants in our groups to share as much or as little as they’re comfortable with. Our grief team strives to provide each group a safe space, where no one is pressured to speak. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels supported, whether they want to share or simply be present. We emphasize that it’s okay to be there for the community and to reduce the sense of isolation, even if you’re not ready to talk about your grief. Sometimes, the act of just being with others is enough.
There are always people who feel unsure about speaking up, and that’s perfectly fine. You are welcome to attend without saying anything if that’s what feels right for you. The important thing is that you feel accepted and supported, no matter how much or little you choose to share.
Why is this group being offered on Zoom?
We want to make sure to provide as much accessibility as possible, so offering Zoom sessions allows us to reach individuals.
For people who feel like they’re not ready to join the group right now, is this going to be offered again?
Yes, these groups are offered four times a year. Each session runs for eight weeks, with a break in between. The current session runs through March and April, and we’ll likely take May off before offering the next round in June and July. So, there will definitely be more opportunities throughout the year. In the meantime, we also have other support groups available, so individuals can always find a group that fits their needs.
Angela Hospice provides comprehensive grief support services, carefully designed to meet the unique needs of our patients, their families, and the broader community. Our grief care team offers personalized one-on-one counseling for both adults and children who have experienced the loss of a loved one in our care. Additionally, we offer in-person and virtual support groups tailored to various types of loss, along with several in-person groups that provide a space for grievers to connect, share experiences, and engage in creating healing activities, like our “Grieving and Weaving” group.
