FAQs
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What types of groups do you offer?
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Check out our calendar for a range of what we offer. There are general groups for people experiencing all forms of loss and grief as well as specialized groups. These groups are often formed based on how the death occurred (substance use, suicide, long-term illness) in addition to the relationship (spouse, parent, child, etc.). Often these groups run in 6-8 week cycles quarterly but are also based on interest.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as there are limited seats in each circle. Offerings or multiple cohorts are formed based on demand and waitlists. This isn’t a waitlist you sit on for months; we are here to create opportunities for support.
How do I get started?
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Weekly General Circle: complete regist
Register for the circle, cohort, or event you wish to be a part of. Follow the steps outlined for each group through the registration process. Looking forward to welcoming you!
New community member? Feel welcome to schedule a 15 min. meet and greet (phone, online/Zoom, or in person at The Grief Center to your preference) to connect with the facilitator.
Current community members? You are welcome to schedule a pre-meeting if you’d like to share new information and/or catch up in advance of the new group starting. Either way, can’t wait to see you again!
I’m nervous about a group experience.
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Of course you are. Many of us have been enculturated to suppress our grief and “handle” our pain in isolation on a day or two of bereavement leave (if you are lucky). The Grief Center challenges these ways by suggesting we create deeper community during grief not less, that we must share and air rather than suppress our pain.
Facilitators support every step of the way to ease the social awkwardness inherent in a new experience. Consider it like the first day of a class or a meeting with people you don’t know well but know you have some common goals and experiences with. All of you is welcome here. Come as you are and engage as your own pace and preferences guide. Our whole design and purpose—from the physical space to the prompts, poems, community agreements, or snacks—is here to support you. Feel welcome to come for a tour prior to the start of a group to get comfortable. Our social media accounts also give a good sense of the space so you can begin to envision what it might be like.
Still have questions? Feel welcome to be in touch.
Do you train or mentor other facilitators?
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Yes. One-on-one as well as through facilitative leadership courses and events. Particularly if your background has been in hospice or direct care, group facilitation can be an intimidating area benefiting from support, reflection, and guided practice. Community-based grief work is an essential part of our health. We love supporting group facilitators to spread the work!
I am a caregiver for my parent or significant elder. They say they do not want extra support from a death doula; I do. What do you suggest?
I am happy to have a meeting with you and/or all people involved to discuss what doulacare looks like and if it would be beneficial for anyone in your family. I can also support caregivers as a grief doula which shifts the focus of the work some but provides deep respite nonetheless.
People’s end-of-life choices often differ wildly from what we might want or what we want for them. People often die similarly to how they lived. The greatest love and respect we can give is in honoring the wishes of the person at the center of our focus.