Grief Support

The death of a loved one is the most profound of all sorrows.

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.”
Washington Irving

Grief is a natural and normal response to loss. Though there are common experiences people share as they grieve, each of us has a unique experience of grief as influenced by our personalities, life experiences, coping styles, and the meaning of the loss to us. Loss impacts our minds, bodies and hearts. By tending to your grief, a sense of increased comfort and slow healing comes with time. Caring and supportive people can make a significant difference along this path. The Yolo Hospice Bereavement Services staff is available to be a source of caring support to you.

Grief Support Services
Our services are available, free of charge, to those whose loved ones have been in our care, as well as to community members.Bereavement specialists and trained volunteers facilitate groups and family meetings, and provide individual support sessions, home visits and telephone contact as needed. Referrals to additional support resources are made when appropriate.

Stepping Stones, Children and Teen Grief Support 

Community Groups
Yolo Hospice Bereavement services provides grief education and support sessions to schools, skilled nursing homes, and other community organizations upon request. Request this service by calling (530) 601-5756 or sending an email to Bereavement Services.

Adult Support Groups and Workshops
Drop-in groups requiring no pre-registration

NEW
Pet Loss Drop-in Support Group  starts August 5, 2013
Drop-in, on-going support for those grieving the loss of their beloved pet.
1st Monday 6–7:30p.m. at Yolo Hospice

NEW
Young Adult Drop-in Support Group (ages 18–25)  starts August 13, 3013
A caring and supportive setting for young men and women to talk about loss and learn new ways to cope.
2nd and 4th Tuesday 6:30–7:30p.m. at Yolo Hospice

Journaling Through Grief
This monthly group provides time and space to explore thoughts, feelings and reactions to loss through journaling in an informal, judgment-free setting. Please bring your own writing material. No previous experience necessary.
1st Tuesday of each month, 4–6p.m. at Yolo Hospice
Registration required

NEW
Spousal/Partner Loss Support Group  8–week group
This group is for men and women who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner. For those at least 3 months from their loss.
Tuesdays, September 17–November 5, 2013 
1–3p.m. at Yolo Hospice
Register by Friday, September 13, 2013, space is limited.

NEW
Parent Loss Support Group for Adults
A week support group for any adult who has experienced the death of one or both parents. For those at least 3 months from their loss.
Wednesdays, September 18–November 6, 2013 6–8p.m. at Yolo Hospice
Register by Friday, September 13, 2013, space is limited.

Moving Forward: Reinvesting in Life after Loss  5–week group
Feeling ready to move forward? The early stages of grief are consumed with feelings of numbness, disbelief, confusion, fatigue, deep yearning, and waves of grief. As time passes and the intensity of grief lessens, a sense of possibility, feeling of hope, and ability to imagine ways that one can begin to move forward begin to set in. The questions for many become: “What’s next?” “How do I do this?” “Where do I go from here?” “Who am I now?” This group aims to provide support for the bereaved as they begin the phase of reinvesting in life. Due to the group’s focus, it is recommended that at least one year has passed since the participant’s loss.
Tuesdays July 16–August 13, 2013
1–3p.m. at Yolo Hospice
Register by Friday, July 12, 2013, space is limited.

Grief and Loss, Healing Through Yoga 6–week group
Explore your grief through the use of basic yoga postures, discussion, and education, Yoga and breathing techniques can replenish energy, improve sleep and relax the mind and body. Designed for those whose loss has occurred at least 3 months prior to the start of the group. No experience necessary. 
Come in comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or beach towel.
Mondays, Nov. 4–Dec. 6, 2013
6–8p.m.
Register by Friday, November 1, 2013, space is limited.

Workshops

Collaging Through Grief
Join us in a supportive atmosphere to create a remembrance collage and have the opportunity to share stories.  Bring copies of photos and items you may want to include in your collage.
Saturday,  Aug 24, 2013 9a.m.–noon at Yolo Hospice
Registration required

Healing Through Yoga
Experience use of gentle and basic yoga postures and breathing techniques to support the healing of grief. Some grief education and discussion are incorporated into the workshop. No experience necessary. Bring a yoga mat
or beach towel.
Saturday, October 19, 2013 10a.m.–noon at Yolo Hospice
Registration required

Understanding Grief
This workshop provides an introduction to understanding the grief process, natural and normal grief responses, and self-care.
Thursday, September 19, 2013 10–11:30a.m. at Yolo Hospice
Registration required

Understanding Children's Grief
Learn ways to support children through grief. Parents, guardians, teachers, counselors and clergy are welcome. 
Tuesday, October 15, 2013 5:30–7p.m. at Yolo Hospice
Registration required

Coping Through the Holidays
Practical and supportive information to help grievers through the emotional highs and lows of the holiday season.
Wednesdays, November 13 & December 11, 2013
1–2:30p.m. and 6–7:30p.m. in English and Spanish
Registration required

Please note: group dates and times are subject to change without notice.