Grief Support and Counseling For Adults
Hospice of Santa Cruz County provides a wide array of options to help you navigate your way through grief. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in grieving and we’re here to help you find the right path to effectively grow through your grief. We offer grief support to anyone 18 and older in the Santa Cruz County and Salinas communities regardless of whether or not you had a loved one on hospice care. Call us at (831) 430-3000 or email us for more information.
We are honored to help so many in the community navigate their way through grief.
Grief Counseling & Support Groups for Adults
We offer virtual and in-person adult grief support groups, classes, and workshops. Advance registration is required, please give us a call at (831) 430-3000 or email us at griefsupport@hospicesantacruz.org to sign up and see what options may be right for you.
We provide a variety of options to support you in your grief:
Individual Grief Support for Adults provides an opportunity for family and friends of loved ones who have been on our service to meet with our counselors in private sessions. Counselors help with emotional support, sharing of feelings, education about the grief process, and ways to cope with loss. Many people benefit from having the focused attention of one counselor for a period of time.
Adult Grief Groups & Workshops provide an opportunity to share feelings and learn from others who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Led by trained volunteer facilitators, they are a safe, non-judgmental place to find comfort while gaining coping skills.
Weekly Drop-in Grief Support Group
Fridays at Noon
At our Scotts Valley Office
940 Disc Drive
Gather with others experiencing the loss of a loved one in a nurturing and safe environment. In this convenient Friday group, participants are encouraged to speak about their grief and learn ways to lessen the emotional and physical symptoms of loss. The group is always drop-in, therefore, the number of participants varies. No registration required.
Expressive Arts Workshop
Saturday, August 5 – 10:00am-3:00pm
Grief Support Writing Group
Tuesdays, September 5 – October 10, 6:30-8:30pm
In-person 6-week group
Discover the quiet wisdom of writing through grief. Putting pen to paper is a powerful way to explore your personal journey in a manner that is both meaningful and rich with complexity — especially when talking about grief does not come easy. You will learn creative exercises that will help you grow and heal, in new and gently surprising ways. All writing levels are welcome. Advance registration is required.
Walking through Healing Group
Wednesdays, September 13 – October 4
In-person 4-week group
Walk with us in the serenity of a forest path as we explore the many faces of grief. Location chosen is lush and beautiful, our pace gentle, our conversations mingled with periods of contemplation and silence. The topics discussed are enhanced by nature. Step with us into nature’s heart and allow the healing to begin. Advance registration is required.
Loss of Spouse/Partner for Seniors (60 and older)
Fridays, September 15 – October 20
In-person 6-week group
The loss of a life-long companion can be devastating. In this very special group, we encourage seniors to open up about their loss, to share their memories and talk freely about their deepest concerns. We explain the symptoms of grief and distinguish them from aspects of aging thereby easing stress and confusion. We nurture the path to healing by honoring lives well lived. Advanced registration is required.
Sudden Loss Group
Wednesday, October 11 – November 15
Evenings, Scotts Valley
In-person, 6-week group
The sudden death of a loved one brings feelings of shock, disbelief, self-questioning, guilt and a host of other reactions. There are often things left unsaid and tasks left undone This group is for those navigating the difficult time after an unforeseen and unexpected loss. The group will consider practical ways of coping with the challenges unique to losing someone unexpectedly. This group is a safe and supportive place to process thoughts and feelings around sudden loss. Advanced registration is required.
Loss of Spouse/Partner for Seniors (60 and older)
Fridays, September 15 – October 20
In-person 6-week group
The loss of a life-long companion can be devastating. In this very special group, we encourage seniors to open up about their loss, to share their memories and talk freely about their deepest concerns. We explain the symptoms of grief and distinguish them from aspects of aging thereby easing stress and confusion. We nurture the path to healing by honoring lives well lived. Advanced registration is required.
Sudden Loss Group
Wednesday, October 11 – November 15
Evenings, Scotts Valley
In-person, 6-week group
The sudden death of a loved one brings feelings of shock, disbelief, self-questioning, guilt and a host of other reactions. There are often things left unsaid and tasks left undone This group is for those navigating the difficult time after an unforeseen and unexpected loss. The group will consider practical ways of coping with the challenges unique to losing someone unexpectedly. This group is a safe and supportive place to process thoughts and feelings around sudden loss. Advanced registration is required.
Loss of Spouse/Partner
October 12 – November 16
Zoom group, evenings
Life can change overnight when a spouse dies, whether from sudden tragedy or a long-term illness. There is an immediacy to everything that must be done, handling logistics and the complexities of legal matters, all while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy at a time that is far from normal. How does one go through the trauma of losing a spouse or partner and grocery shop, pay the bills, and go to work? In this group, we openly discuss how to get from day-to-day and learn practical ways to address symptoms of grief such as: insomnia, fear, anxiety, and more. Advanced registration is required.
Memory Pillow Workshop
October 21, 10:00am-12:00pm
In-person
Memories of our loved ones are triggered in many ways, such as the feel of a favorite shirt, or the scent of aftershave, cologne, or perfume. Our senses come alive when we connect with these belongings and our memories. In this class, grief support staff and sewing experts help you to create a memory pillow. You bring a button-down shirt belonging to your loved one, and we supply the rest. At the end of the class, you will bring home a meaningful remembrance to bring you comfort. No prior sewing experience is needed. Registration is required.
Coping with Grief through the Winter Holidays
November 7 – 6:30-8:00pm
This grief group offers a safe and caring space to share and receive support from those grieving the death of someone special. Find connectedness through sharing, receiving support, or simply listening. Learn helpful tips on how to cope during the winter holidays. Advanced registration is required.
