Grief Support Group Program
Three-Part Grief Group Curriculum
Learn the tools you need to support your grief journey in a supportive, structured group environment
Our three-part grief group curriculum gently guides you through your unique experience of grief. In a supportive group setting, participants come to learn more about themselves, their loss, and the steps they need to heal.
Each of the three levels includes 5-8 weekly sessions that are provided either virtually or in person at Edmonton Public Library locations across the city.
Each person’s healing journey is unique, and we are here to provide you with support for as long as you need. While this three-part curriculum has been designed to help you move through the entire grief continuum, you do not have to commit to all three levels. There is no timeline for completion, and you can repeat levels if you wish.
Navigating the rivers of grief
Eight-session series, virtual or in-person
Course Description
Navigating the Rivers of Grief (Level I) consists of eight, two-hour sessions run over consecutive weeks. This series is facilitated by one of our grief specialists. Participants receive support, self-care tools and a better understanding of their grief journey.
In Navigating the Rivers of Grief, participants explore their grief experience through sharing, activities and mindfulness practices. This is a closed group where participants commit to attending all sessions as this greatly supports group cohesion and individual process.
A participant workbook is provided. Topics explored include: self-compassion in the midst of grief; working with guilt, anger and other difficult emotions; remembering and mourning; sharing grief stories; exploring new thinking pathways; and ways to nourish the continuing bond with our loved one.
The group offers a safe, supportive space where participants are able to investigate and deal with the overwhelming feelings that often accompany loss.
$240
Finding meaning, finding me
Seven-session series, virtual or in-person
If cost is a barrier, we offer our groups on a sliding scale, aligning what you can pay with your financial means.
Course Description
Finding Meaning, Finding Me (Level II), is a continuation of Navigating the Rivers of Grief (Level I). It is a seven-session series, facilitated by one of our grief specialists, which more deeply explores your unfolding individual journey through grief, including finding meaning in the loss and a new sense of who and what you are without your loved one.
Group members are supported to find their own individual meaning and new sense of purpose. This course invites exploration and focuses on re-finding balance and connection with our mind, body, emotions, and spiritual aspects so that we can feel more whole again.
Together we will explore where you are at in your grief journey and how to nurture the bond with the loved one who passed as well as any unresolved issues that may be in the way of healing. Sharing, caring and connection are the core elements of this group.
A workbook is provided and relevant handouts are provided throughout.
$240
Moving forward; Turning loss into a gift
Seven-session series, virtual (7 weeks) or in-person (5 weeks)
If cost is a barrier, we offer our groups on a sliding scale, aligning what you can pay with your financial means.
Course Description
Moving Forward; Turning Loss into a Gift (Level III) is a further continuation of the Finding Meaning Finding Me (Level II) series. We offer this program as either a 7-week virtual series, or a 5-week in-person series.
Loss becomes a gift when we give our newly found meaning to others and to the world, but firstly to ourselves.
This program is a deep-dive into the transformation and growth that is possible when we discover and integrate the gifts revealed by the experience of profound loss
$240
Pricing and Affordability
As part of our commitment to providing accessible healing to all, we keep our rates approximately 20% lower than the recommended rate posted by the Psychologists Association of Alberta. If cost is a barrier, we offer our groups on a sliding scale, aligning what you can pay with your financial means.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do your group programs run?
Group programs run from September to June each year (inclusive). We take the summer months off to update our groups and ensure we are giving our clients our very best. Groups are usually on two-month cycles, starting September, November, January, March, and May. Our Pet Loss group runs every two weeks.
How much do group counselling sessions cost?
Are your group programs faith-based?
What other counselling services do you have available for grief and Loss?
Whether you are grieving a loss that has not happened yet, a loss that is ongoing, or loss that happened in the past, we are here to support you. Our team members are trained in addressing all kinds of losses to help you grieve and heal. Individual, child/youth, couples, and family counselling is available for any kind of loss you may experience. We also have a free online grief course, as well as group counselling programs for those grieving the death of a loved one.
Is the information I provide confidential?
Do I have to attend every session?
Do I have to do all three levels of the program?
Regular attendance is integral to providing a positive and rewarding experience in the group programs. We ask that you do your best to attend all sessions in the program you choose, but we understand that sometimes something comes up. Please inform your facilitator or the EHC office if you are going to be absent. If you are absent for more than three sessions, you will be withdrawn from the program.
What is the process for registering for groups?
I don’t see a group at a time or location that works for me?
Can I direct bill insurance for your groups?
Meet the Facilitators
