What to Expect at a GriefShare Group

Grieving the loss of a loved one can feel raw, overwhelming, and even impossible—but you’re not alone in this. At GriefShare, we understand the pain and challenges that come with grief, and we’re here for you. Whether your loss is recent or years in the past, a GriefShare group offers a safe space where you can process your emotions and find a path toward healing.

We know that joining an in person or online group you’ve never attended before can feel intimidating, which is why we’ve created a GriefShare session preview to help you know what to expect. This video will help you get a feel for what joining a group will be like.

People who understand what you’re going through

GriefShare groups were created to be an understanding, supportive place of connection, encouragement, and hope. When you join a group, you will find a community of people who understand the weight of grief, because they’ve journeyed through it themselves. The group meets once a week for 13 weeks, and during that time, you'll learn about what to expect along the grief journey and how to cope with the unpredictability of grief—all from people who have traveled this path before. 

As Suree, a GriefShare group participant, shares, “GriefShare offered ways to deal with different situations during grief . . .  offering practical suggestions and resonating with what I was going through. It [gave] me hope.”

Videos full of practical tips and understanding

Each group session begins with a 30-minute video featuring:

• Experts in grief counseling and recovery who will share practical tips and strategies for coping with grief. These respected counselors, pastors, healthcare professionals, and grief experts offer insights that will help you better understand your emotions. 
• Heartfelt stories from individuals who have walked through grief themselves. These stories bring comfort and show that it’s possible to navigate grief and find a new normal.

Time for discussion and connection

After the video comes time for a group discussion. Here, you can share how the video resonated with you and hear from others as well. You’ll also have the chance to talk about your own grief experience and connect with others who are going through similar emotions. One of the most comforting parts of GriefShare is knowing you’re not alone in your grief. The group provides a safe environment to express your feelings, ask questions, and listen to others’ stories.

It’s important to know that sharing is optional. If you’re not ready to talk, that’s okay. There’s no pressure. We want you to feel comfortable and supported, whether you choose to share or simply listen.

As Jill, a GriefShare participant, shares, “We bonded like a small family, sharing our pain and learning what the Bible tells us about grief. We were all able to laugh again and share our grief together in a judgment-free zone.”

A personal guide for reflection

At the beginning of the group, you’ll receive a GriefShare participant guide. This guide will be your roadmap as you walk through the journey of grief. Inside the guide, you’ll find:

• Encouraging stories that help show you that you’re not alone
• Helpful exercises for dealing with specific struggles common to grief
• Guided questions to help you sort through confusing thoughts, feelings, and situations
• Comforting Bible verses full of practical application in your life

As Carla, a GriefShare participant shares, the participant guide “gave me a structured way to interact with my own thoughts in a way that included the living God.” And Donna agrees, “The book really helps you deal with the emotions you’re feeling.”

How to find a GriefShare group

Grief is a journey—but you’re not alone on this path. GriefShare is here to offer guidance, understanding, and hope. And if you’re ready to join a group, finding one near you is easy. Visit our Find a Group search tool to see a list of all the groups in your area, plus their meeting times and locations. Many groups meet online as well.

While grief is a journey no one ever wants to be on, you don’t have to walk this path alone. GriefShare is here to help.

Still have questions? Learn more about GriefShare groups. Have questions about joining a specific group? Feel free to reach out to that group’s leader via their contact information. They are happy to help!