Individual and group counseling is available to anyone in the community who is facing or grieving a loss. A safe, confidential environment allows the fear and sorrow of dying and grieving to be expressed and healed. Hospice counseling hopes to alleviate the social isolation and fear that terminal illness can create and to provide understanding of the stress of caring for a dying loved one. As always, hospice counseling seeks to maintain quality of life for all persons involved. 

		SUPPORT GROUPS Pre-registration required for all group sessions, see contact information below NEWLY BEREAVED GROUP This is a 4-week session for people in the early weeks and months of grief to provide support through sharing with others. The group will also provide educational and supportive information on the process of grieving. LOSS OF A PARENT This session will meet for 4 weeks to focus on the loss of a parent as an adult child. We will offer education and support as we validate this unique relationship.  LOSS OF A SPOUSE OR PARTNER This support and education group will focus on how to help you cope when you find yourself in the world without your partner. Some common topics that may be explored are: Who have you been? Who are you now? ·How to take care of yourself. ·How to find a special place within and without to remember, feel, and hold close to your heart your loved one. ·How to move forward into a new identity and purpose while maintaining your connection, memories, and love of your deceased spouse or partner. Anyone experiencing grief from the death of a spouse or partner is welcome to attend. MEN IN GRIEF - ASSISTING MEN ON THEIR JOURNEY OF HEALING This session is designed to assist men on their journey of healing.

HEALING THE HEART – A Retreat for Exploring Loss
Come join us for a day of contemplation, remembrance and healing. The retreat will provide a nurturing environment for reflection, self-expression and sharing. We will look at the many ways we grieve. We will reflect upon our own journeys using music, visualization, collage, and drawing. We will explore new ways of bringing memories, feelings and hopes into visual form. We will close the day with a ritual of remembrance.

Anyone experiencing grief from the death of someone significant is welcome to attend.

COPING WITH THE HOLIDAYS
Holidays can be extremely difficult for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Come to our group where we will explore some of the steps you can take to help you through this difficult time of year.

ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
“The Ritual of the Roses and Candle Lighting Ceremony” takes place each spring. This special community event honors the lives of all our loved ones who have died. Remembering our losses together creates the opportunity to find comfort and healing.  The next remembrance service will take place in April 2009.  Call Michelle Cervantez, Associative Coordinator of Volunteers, at 690-6245 for more information.

ANNUAL ‘ANGELS AMONG US’ CEREMONY
The annual event is an opportunity to come together at the winter holidays to remember the loved ones we have lost.  This tree lighting ceremony gives light to the memories of loved ones and the celebration brings together those who are grieving to share in the ritual that provides support, expression of feelings, and love.  The next Angels Among Us will be in December of 2009.  Contact Lora Barker, 690-6215 for more information.

From time to time we add other topic groups or workshops to our Bereavement Programs –
please call for more information

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL OUR BEREAVEMENT PROGRAMS. 

For further information and to register, please call Elizabeth Giele, MSW, Bereavement Coordinator, at (805) 690-6298.

There is no charge for bereavement support services. Donations are always appreciated.