What to Expect in a Grief Support Group

Losing someone you love changes everything. It can feel like the world has moved on while you’re still standing still, trying to make sense of the waves of sadness, anger, guilt, or even numbness. Many people tell us they feel isolated in grief - friends stop checking in, family members grieve differently, and the world seems to expect you to “move on.”

This is where a grief support group can make all the difference.

At Fika Mental Health, we offer grief groups that bring together people who understand what it’s like to live with loss. These groups are more than a place to talk - they’re a space to connect, learn tools, and find meaning in the middle of pain.

Could a grief support group help you feel less isolated or alone?

Why Join a Grief Support Group?

1. You’re not alone. Grief groups normalize the experience of loss. When you sit with others who have faced similar pain, you realize the wide range of emotions you feel are completely valid.

2. It’s a safe place to share. In group, you don’t have to edit your story. You can cry, talk about your loved one, or sit quietly and listen. There’s no pressure, and no judgment.

3. You’ll learn tools for coping. Our facilitators are trauma-trained therapists. Each session blends education with practical skills — mindfulness practices, coping strategies for holidays and anniversaries, and ways to stay grounded when grief feels overwhelming.

4. You’ll find ways to carry love forward. We draw on the work of grief expert David Kessler, who describes the sixth stage of grief as finding meaning. Groups explore how to honour the person you’ve lost, carry their values with you, and create rituals that keep their memory alive.

What Happens in a Grief Group Session?

Every group is a little different, but sessions often include:

• Opening ritual — grounding breath, candle lighting, or a moment of silence.

• Check-in round — each participant can share how they’re arriving that day.

• Theme or activity — for example, writing a letter to your loved one, creating a memory collage, or learning mindfulness practices to calm the nervous system.

• Group sharing — space to talk, listen, and be witnessed.

• Closing ritual — an affirmation, poem, or intention to take into the week ahead.

  
  

You never have to share more than you want to. Sometimes just being present is enough.

Is a Grief Group Right for You?

A grief support group might help if you:

• Feel isolated in your loss.

• Want to talk about your loved one but don’t know who will listen.

• Struggle with grief “spikes” around holidays or anniversaries.

• Are looking for coping skills and practical strategies to manage the ups and downs of grief.

• Want a supportive space that honours your grief without rushing you.

Next Steps

Grief may never fully go away, but you don’t have to carry it alone. A grief support group can offer comfort, connection, and new ways to live with love and loss.

If you’re interested in learning more or registering for an upcoming group, use the contact form at the bottom of this page or send an email to admin@fikamentalhealth.com