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 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 community 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 are offering virtual and in-person 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.
Weekly Drop-in 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.
Loss of Spouse/Partner
Tuesdays, Jan 17 – Feb 21
In-person, 6-week group
Life changes 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 in-person group, we openly discuss how to get from day-to-day and learn practical ways of addressing symptoms of grief such as: insomnia, fear, anxiety and more.
Loss of Parent Group
Wednesdays, Jan 18 – Feb 22
Virtual 6-week group
Losing a parent can be so hard to bear, no matter how old you are. Whether it was a long term illness or sudden death, the loss can be jarring. You may reach for the phone or drive past their home, only to face the realization that they are no longer there. This supportive group offers a safe space to open up, share memories, and connect with others who have lost a parent. You don’t have to navigate the difficult waters of your loss alone.
Grief Support Writing Group
Thursdays, Jan 26 – Mar 2
Virtual 6-week group
The loss of a companion can be devastating. In this very special group, we encourage seniors to open up about their loss, 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. Advance registration is required.
Expressive Arts Workshop
Saturday, Feb 11
In-person workshop
This workshop will use creative activities to tenderly encourage expression, insight, and growth in a supportive environment. Members will be offered new ways to tell their story, express emotions without words, and feel connected and supported as they creatively honor their grief and loved ones. No previous art experience is necessary. Advance registration is required.
Loss of Spouse/Partner for Seniors
Fridays, Feb 24 – Mar 31
In-person 6-week group
The loss of a companion can be devastating. In this very special group, we encourage seniors to open up about their loss, 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. Advance registration is required.
Sudden Loss Group
Wednesdays, Mar 1 – Apr 5
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. 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. Advance registration required.
Memory Pillow Making Workshop
Saturday, April 15
In-person workshop
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. Advance registration required.
We provide a variety of options to support you:
Individual Grief Support for Adults provides an opportunity 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. This is especially true when the loss was sudden, recent or complex.
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.
