by Ligia Houben | Aug 8, 2021 | Blog US
Find Grief Support Groups Near You Today: Your Guide to Local and Online Help
Grief is one of the most difficult journeys we will ever face. After the loss of a loved one, many people tell me they feel alone, misunderstood, or unsure of how to navigate the emotions that accompany loss.
As a grief specialist, author, and facilitator of grief support groups for more than two decades, I have witnessed firsthand the power of connection in the healing process. While every grief journey is unique, one thing remains true: healing becomes easier when we do not walk the path alone.
Whether you are looking for a local grief support group, grief coaching, an online grief program, or educational resources, there are many ways to find guidance and compassionate support during this challenging time.
This guide will help you understand the different types of grief support available and how to find the option that best fits your needs.
Why Grief Support Groups Can Help You Heal
One of the most common experiences after losing someone you love is feeling isolated.
Friends and family may care deeply about us, yet still struggle to understand what we are experiencing. Some people avoid talking about grief because they feel uncomfortable, while others expect us to be “doing better” long before we are ready.
A grief support group offers a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can share their experiences, express their emotions, and connect with others who truly understand the pain of loss.
Through the grief support groups I facilitate at The Center for Transforming Lives, online, and in partnership with funeral homes and community organizations, I have witnessed how transformative it can be when someone realizes they are not alone.
One of the principles I teach through the The 11 Principles of Transformation® is that healing begins with validation. When people feel heard, understood, and supported, meaningful transformation becomes possible.
Benefits of Joining a Grief Support Group
Participating in a grief support group can help you:
- Feel less isolated and alone
- Connect with others who understand grief firsthand
- Share your experiences in a safe and supportive environment
- Learn healthy coping strategies
- Gain perspective, hope, and encouragement
- Build meaningful relationships with others
- Better understand the grieving process
While a support group cannot remove the pain of loss, it can provide comfort, understanding, and practical tools for navigating your healing journey.
What Types of Grief Support Groups Are Available?
Not every grief support group is the same. Finding the right fit can make a significant difference in your experience.
Local In-Person Grief Support Groups
Many people find comfort in meeting face-to-face with others who are grieving.
These groups provide opportunities for meaningful conversations, personal connection, and a strong sense of community.
You can often find local grief support groups through:
- Funeral homes
- Hospices
- Hospitals
- Community centers
- Faith communities
- Counseling centers
Online Grief Support Groups
Online grief support groups continue to grow in popularity because they offer flexibility and accessibility.
Whether you live in another city, have transportation challenges, or simply prefer the privacy of your own home, virtual groups allow you to receive support wherever you are.
Many participants are surprised by how connected they feel in an online setting.
Specialized Bereavement Support Groups
Some support groups focus on specific types of loss, including:
- Loss of a spouse or partner
- Loss of a parent
- Loss of a child
- Loss of a sibling
- Caregiver grief
- Anticipatory grief
These specialized groups often create opportunities for deeper conversations with people who share similar experiences.
Grief Coaching vs. Grief Support Groups: What’s the Difference?
Many people wonder whether they need grief coaching, a grief support group, or both.
The answer depends on your individual needs.
Grief coaching provides personalized support that helps you process your emotions, navigate life after loss, and discover healthy ways to move forward.
Grief support groups focus on shared experiences, emotional connection, education, and peer support.
For many individuals, these two approaches complement one another beautifully, offering both personalized guidance and the reassurance of community.
How to Find the Right Grief Support Group Near You
Finding the right support group is much like finding the right therapist or coach. It is important to choose a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and understood.
- Do I prefer in-person or online support?
- Am I looking for grief coaching, a support group, or both?
- Would I benefit from a specialized bereavement group?
- Do I prefer a structured program or an open discussion format?
Research Available Resources
- Grief support groups near me
- Bereavement support groups near me
- Grief counseling near me
- Online grief support groups
You can also ask local funeral homes, hospitals, hospices, or community organizations for recommendations.
Give Yourself Permission to Explore
Not every support group will feel like the right fit, and that’s okay.
I encourage individuals to attend more than one meeting before making a decision. The most important thing is finding a place where you feel genuinely supported and understood.
Structured Grief Programs for Lasting Healing
Some individuals benefit from a more structured approach to navigating grief.
In addition to facilitating grief support groups, I developed The 11 Principles of Transformation®, a transformational framework designed to help individuals move through grief while rebuilding their lives with greater meaning, purpose, and hope.
If you’re looking for a step-by-step approach that combines education, guided reflection, and practical tools, I invite you to explore The 11 Principles of Transformation®.
Structured grief programs often combine:
- Educational guidance
- Guided reflection
- Practical coping tools
- Group discussion
- Personal growth exercises
These programs can complement both grief coaching and support groups by providing additional direction throughout the healing process.
Additional Grief Resources That Can Support Your Healing
Support comes in many forms.
In addition to grief support groups and coaching, many people find encouragement through:
- Books & Resources
- Podcast Episodes
- Educational videos
- Webinars
- Support Groups & Workshops
- Community events
Sometimes a single story, conversation, or new perspective can provide the encouragement needed to take the next step toward healing.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
You don’t have to navigate grief alone.
Whether you’re looking for one-on-one Grief Coaching, a supportive community, or a structured online program like The 11 Principles of Transformation®, compassionate support is available.
I invite you to explore my resources, visit my Book Store, listen to my podcast, or schedule a private session to find the support that best fits your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find grief support groups near me?
You can start by contacting local funeral homes, hospitals, hospices, counseling centers, or community organizations. Many also offer virtual grief support groups if an in-person option is unavailable.
Are online grief support groups effective?
Yes. Many people find online grief support groups just as meaningful as in-person meetings. They provide flexibility, accessibility, and genuine connection from the comfort of home.
What’s the difference between grief coaching and a grief support group?
Grief coaching offers personalized guidance, while grief support groups provide a community where participants share experiences, encouragement, and practical insights. Many individuals benefit from participating in both.
How do I know if a grief support group is right for me?
If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or simply looking for people who understand your experience, a grief support group may be an excellent place to begin. It’s often helpful to attend more than one session before deciding whether it’s the right fit.
Can I join a grief support group even if my loss happened years ago?
Absolutely. Grief has no timeline. Whether your loss happened recently or many years ago, it’s never too late to seek support and begin a new chapter of healing.
What if I’m not comfortable sharing my story?
That’s perfectly okay. Many people attend their first meetings simply to listen. There is never any pressure to speak before you feel ready.
Do grief support groups replace therapy?
No. Grief support groups and therapy serve different purposes. Support groups provide peer connection and shared experiences, while therapy offers individualized care. Many people find that combining both creates a well-rounded support system.
Finding the right grief support can be one of the most meaningful steps you take after experiencing a loss.
Although grief changes us, it does not define the rest of our lives. Healing is possible when we allow ourselves to receive support, process our emotions, and discover new ways to move forward with hope and purpose.
Whether you choose Grief Coaching, a local support group, an online community, or The 11 Principles of Transformation®, remember that you do not have to walk this journey alone.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to schedule a session or contact me. I would be honored to accompany you on your journey toward healing, hope, and transformation.
by Ligia Houben | Aug 8, 2021 | Blog US
I wish it existed a mailbox to heaven.
And what would I have put in that mailbox?
Mom, today that you would have turned 102 years old, I would have sent you a card, congratulating you on your birthday.
I would have sent you a card expressing the sweetness of mother you were and the great love you gave us.
It would have probably been a religious card that had the image of The Virgin because they were your favorites.,
Possibly, I would also have sent you a package wrapped in gift paper full of hearts or pink roses. In that package, I would have covered in pink tissue paper a blouse like those you loved to wear. I would have also looked for a pink blouse because you looked beautiful in that color.
I would have also sent you a copy of your book. I imagine you would have loved to see it and realize how you have impacted others with your story, with your photos, with your joy of living. Because that is what people have told me. You keep touching hearts through your book.
Mom, I wish I could send you all those things to heaven.
Since this mailbox does not exist, what I can do is, send you a prayer full of love and tell you a Happy Birthday that reaches you in heaven.
Love,
Your cumiche, Ligia del Carmen
by Ligia Houben | May 24, 2021 | Blog US
I want to be alone!
You have probably said these words when you want to have time for yourself and no one to bother you. It is a decision, and you enjoy “your loneliness.”
What happens when the feeling of loneliness takes over you because you have no one by your side?
Is it the same kind of loneliness?
Being alone is the fact that no one is by your side, while loneliness is an emotional state because we express it: I feel alone. Sometimes we think we feel lonely only when we don’t have anyone by our side, but it is not. There are times when we have people around us, and we still feel alone. We can be in a room full of people and feel alone, or sitting on the same sofa with our partner and having that feeling of loneliness. What produces this feeling? It is often born from feeling misunderstood, feeling nobody listens to us, or feeling that we are not important to others. If we feel alone at a party, we may think that we do not fit into the environment and feel different.
When experiencing emotional loneliness, it is crucial to recognize what is happening and analyze how you’re approaching it. Do you contribute in any way to feel that way? What thoughts do you entertain in your mind? Do you allow yourself to engage in a conversation with someone, or do you say to yourself:
“I do not belong here; people don’t like me; I feel out of place.”
If it’s with your partner that you sit down, you can only start conversing with them and exploring different ways to share and communicate with the soul.
If you’re alone because you don’t have anyone by your side, ask yourself what it means. Remember that it all depends on our perception and what we do with our time. If you occupy it in something that can entertain and help you as a person, or you immerse yourself in thoughts such as: “I am so alone”, and do nothing under your control to change this situation.
Here are several activities you can do when you feel lonely that can help you feel better:
Read a book
Writing in a journal
Exercise
Meditation
Talking on the phone
Have a Zoom meeting
Go for a walk
Take a class
See a Netflix series
Paint, color, sculpt
Take a bath
Clean your closet
Write a letter
Cook a new recipe
Sit in your backyard with a cup of coffee or tea
Pray
Reflect
In the present time, due to the pandemic, we have had to modify our activities, which has led to social estrangement. However, we have different ways to maintain this social connection at our disposal so as not to feel so alone. Plan with your friends and family zoom meetings or phone calls, including video calls; you can turn it into a daily or weekly ritual.
It is preferable to do one of these activities that may benefit you, rather than using methods of escapism such as eating or drinking too much; you can choose.
Please take note of all that you can do and at the same time reflect that it is what represents for you to be alone, for what influences how we feel is our perception.
Loneliness is an opportunity to connect with ourselves. As Paolo Coelho says:
Loneliness is not the absence of companionship but the moment when our soul
has the freedom to talk to us and help us decide about our lives.
When you realize that you are your own person and that your value comes from within, you can connect with yourself and be at peace.
Loneliness can be welcomed or represent intense pain in our souls, usually if prolonged. We are social beings, and therefore being alone, especially for a long time, can significantly influence our mental and physical health. According to Donovan et al. (2017), loneliness may impair cognitive function in their study among older adults.
If you feel that loneliness is affecting you negatively, seek professional help because if you leave this feeling unattended, it can become depression and greater isolation.
On the other hand, if you know someone is alone, give them your company. Call them on the phone or visit them if you can. Make them feel like they are important to you. You can also do a type of volunteering by calling people. This type of help exists; you cannot only use it yourself, but you can be a part of it. By providing company to others, we accompany ourselves.
Remember, your life has meaning!
Ligia M. Houben
by Ligia Houben | May 9, 2021 | Blog US
Today is the first Mother’s Day without you by my side and I have a strange feeling. I feel empty, I feel like if I am missing something. I am missing your presence.
All this week I have lived it with this restless feeling in my heart.
What has made me feel this way if every day I miss having you in my life?
The difference is that the environment has been dedicated to your day.
How can this special day so celebrated and announced be unnoticed?
Flowers, cards, balloons, ornaments… they are all triggers that have reminded me that you’re not by my side and the void feels even deeper.
The difference is that there was no celebration planning, there was no illusion of going to the store to buy you a blouse like the ones you loved; the difference was not to expect this day to arrive with the usual anticipation; The difference was that I was not going to be able to tell you while I was hugging you, “Happy Mother’s Day.”
However, in the midst of all this feeling of sorrow, I remember with great love our last Mother’s Day and my heart rejoices because we were able to enjoy our usual ritual and you enjoyed your red flowers so much; this stayed forever in my heart. I have confirmed that our lives are made of moments, and the life I had by your side, was filled with many moments full of love and joy.
Many of those moments are Mother’s Day memories. This time I give you again this diploma that you kept in your cards’ box, in which I recognize you as the best mother in the world.
Happy Mother’s Day to heaven.
Ligia del Carmen
Tu cumiche.
by Ligia Houben | May 8, 2021 | Blog US
In any love relationship, there is the potential for an argument to arise. No one is exempt from this happening as we are complex beings, and the relationships themselves can also become complexed.
In this article, I want to share what I think can help you understand how discussions arise and what to do to reconcile from the heart.
Let’s start by understanding that we are human beings, and sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes we unwittingly hurt, say an inappropriate phrase, or act without thinking about the consequence of our actions. It may be hard for you to forgive yourself, and you stay in a state of guilt. Just as I tell my clients when they experience guilt, I invite you to ask yourself:
What was my intention?
Did I want to hurt the other person?
Remember, before any action, there is an intention. If it was not your desire to hurt the other person, understand your human condition and that, like everybody else, you can make a mistake. Ask for forgiveness from the heart, forgive yourself, and let go. Focus on continuing to build the relationship with your loved one, learning about what happened to continue to grow and evolve.
If, on the other hand, you find yourself in a situation where you are hurt and find it difficult to forgive the other person, I invite you to reflect.
First, evaluate what has happened and whether it warrants that you are in that state.
How serious is the situation? What provoked it? If you feel that your loved one hurt you, I invite you to make this reflection, which we often use when doing forgiveness work:
Think about what has hurt you about the other person and ask yourself if you have ever acted similarly. Also, consider whether your intention at the time was to hurt the other person, considering that you, too, are human and make mistakes.
When facing a situation that has bothered or hurt you, you have two options: talk about it and decide to come to a reconciliation, or stay in that space of pain and discomfort, which does not help heal and release. I hope you opt for the first one.
Remember, your life has meaning.
Ligia M. Houben
