How Can a Support Group Help Me Deal with Grief?

Marina Mails, NCC, LPC
Bereavement Counselor II

A grief support group is a special place. Strangers come together from different walks of life to talk about their loss and often find a deep bond. Out of the shared experience of loss, a great sense of belonging and togetherness grows. Many group participants feel a sense of relief, even after their first session, because hearing the experiences of others lends a sense of normalcy. One recent support group participant stated, “I’m so glad to know I’m not losing my mind … other people feel this way too.”

The Counseling and Education Center (CEC)’s support groups meet for six or eight sessions. A group facilitator brings a different topic each time. For example, topics may include defining grief or dealing with stress while grieving. Throughout the experience, group members share their experiences and connect with one another. While support groups are not for everyone, they can be an important tool for learning how to cope with loss and adjusting to a new reality.

The CEC offers support groups three times a year for anyone who has lost a spouse or constant companion, a child or a loved one. The next support group begins on Thursday, October 4 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and is designed for adults who have lost a beloved spouse or life partner. To register, please contact the CEC at 336.621.5565 or [email protected] by October 1.

For information on other groups, workshops and events focused on grief, click here.