Grief Support Groups: What to Expect and How to Find One

Grief can feel isolating. Friends and family may care deeply, yet still not quite understand what you are going through. Grief support groups bring together people who have experienced loss so they can share, listen, and feel less alone. If you have been wondering whether a group might help you, this guide explains what to expect and how to find one that fits.

What Are Grief Support Groups?

A grief support group is a gathering of people who are grieving, usually led by a trained facilitator, a counselor, or a volunteer who has experienced loss. Groups may meet weekly or monthly, in person or online. Some are open to anyone grieving, while others focus on a specific kind of loss, such as:

• Loss of a spouse or partner

• Loss of a parent or sibling

• Loss of a child or pregnancy

• Loss to suicide, overdose, or sudden death

• Loss of a pet

A bereavement support group is not the same as individual therapy. It is a peer setting where people learn from one another's experiences.

What Happens at a Grief Support Group?

Many people feel nervous before their first meeting. Knowing what to expect can ease that worry. A typical session might include:

• A welcome and a reminder of group guidelines, such as confidentiality and respectful listening

• Introductions, where members may share their name and who they lost

• Time for members to talk about how they are doing or about a weekly topic

• Gentle discussion, guided by the facilitator

• A closing moment, such as a reading or a few quiet breaths

You are never required to speak. Many people simply listen during their first few meetings, and that is completely okay.

Benefits of Joining a Bereavement Support Group

People attend grief groups for many reasons. Possible benefits include:

• Feeling understood by others who know what loss is like

• Learning that your feelings, including guilt, anger, or numbness, are shared by others

• Hearing practical ideas for handling hard days, paperwork, or holidays

• Having a regular, dedicated time to focus on your grief

• Building new friendships and connection

Our article on the stages of grief explains why grief rarely follows a neat path, something many group members discover together.

How Do You Find a Grief Support Group?

There are many places to look for grief support groups in your community:

• Hospice organizations, which often offer bereavement programs to the wider community

• Hospitals and community health centers

• Places of worship and faith communities

• Funeral homes, many of which share local resources

• Community centers and libraries

• Mental health professionals, who may know of local groups

You can also ask your doctor or a counselor for recommendations.

Is Online Grief Support a Good Option?

Online grief support can be a wonderful choice if you live far from in-person groups, have a busy schedule, or feel more comfortable sharing from home. Options can include video meetings with a facilitator, moderated forums, and support communities focused on specific losses. When choosing an online group, look for clear guidelines, active moderation, and respect for privacy.

Choosing the Right Group for You

Not every group will feel like the right fit, and that is normal. Consider asking:

• Who leads the group, and what training do they have?

• Is the group focused on a specific type of loss?

• Is it a drop-in group or a set series of sessions?

• Is there a cost?

• How large is the group?

Try attending two or three times before deciding. If a group does not feel right, another one might.

When a Group Is Not Enough

Support groups can be a valuable part of healing, but sometimes more help is needed. If your grief feels overwhelming or stuck over a long period, you may want to read about complicated grief and consider individual help. Our article on seeking counseling services explains how a counselor can support you.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out now. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Outside the U.S., contact your local emergency number or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk at a grief support group?

No. You can listen for as long as you need. Most groups welcome quiet participation.

How soon after a loss can I join a support group?

There is no right time. Some people join within weeks, while others wait months or years. Some groups suggest waiting a short time after a loss, so ask the facilitator.

Are grief support groups free?

Many are free, especially those offered by hospices, faith communities, and nonprofits. Others may charge a fee. Ask before attending.

Grief support groups remind us that no one has to grieve alone. If you have lost a husband, wife, or partner, our guide on coping with the loss of a spouse may offer more comfort.