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Grief Support Group – an Option for Some

Grief Support Group – an Option for Some

by Chaplain Julia Rajtar, MAPS, BCC

Grief is person-centered. The intensity and experience of grief are unique for every individual.  Grief is also disruptive. It challenges our identity, relationships, beliefs, and assumptions about the world and our role in it.

Do I need a grief group? Some groups are educational, some offer opportunities for grieving, and most offer both. Others are of a time-limited duration, while others meet over longer periods. Some groups are held in person, while others are online.  Most groups offer opportunities to express thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that affect us while we are grieving.  Groups can create a sense of safety where we can express our thoughts without fear of judgment.  Grief groups can also provide affirmation, that there is nothing wrong with us, and that grieving is a normal and natural response to loss.  Grieving is as normal as breathing, and there is nothing wrong with us when we grieve.

Some people will benefit from a group setting where this sense of safety, connection, affirmation and support can occur.  Others may find that one-on-one support is the best way to express grief, which can come from family, but more often it comes from others. “Our address book changes when we are grieving,” expresses the reality that sometimes the people we thought would be the best supporters for us are not the right people we need at that time, so we seek out others.

A grief group can help us to know and feel we are not alone and that we can learn from others as we adapt to loss.  Not everyone seeks a grief group.  Some alternative options include journaling, activities such as mindfulness and yoga, joining a Facebook group, or simply taking a walk. There are other alternatives that can help support while grieving. Seek what is best for you.

The Hospice Foundation of America offers free online grief support through its “Journeys with Grief: Expert Help in Facing Loss” Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/Journeyswithgrief. This resource provides expert guidance on coping with loss. The online page features content from leading grief experts on topics such as love, life, and loss.

Bakken-Young offers two 6-week grief support groups in person on Monday nights, 6-7pm, beginning in New Richmond, Sept 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 2025, and then in River Falls, Oct 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025. To register, click the link and contact Julia.

There is not one “right” way to grieve. After trying a group, individuals sometimes seek other alternatives. It’s ok to consider other supports while grieving. Complete one group, support, or event, and then proceed to the next. If the group is not right for you, stop and find what can be helpful. Whatever you do, allow yourself the time and space to grieve; your grief has already found you.

 

Other resources for support

Dougy Center: https://www.dougy.org/get-involved/join-in/understandgrief/10-core-principles-of-being-grief-informed

Hospice Foundation of America: https://hospicefoundation.org/when-you-are-grieving/

Brighter Days Grief Center: https://brighterdaysgriefcenter.org/resources/

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