If you’re in crisis, call or text 988.
Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, and one of the loneliest. Whether you have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, or a close friend, the weight of that loss can feel impossible to carry alone. Grief support groups offer a space where you do not have to explain why you are still struggling months later. Everyone in the room already understands.
What is a grief support group?
A grief support group is a gathering of people who are all going through loss. Some groups are led by licensed therapists or grief counselors, while others are peer-led by people who have walked the same road. Groups may be organized around a specific type of loss, such as the death of a spouse, the loss of a child, or grief after suicide. Others are open to anyone experiencing bereavement. Most meet weekly or biweekly, either in person or online, and sessions typically last between one and two hours.
How grief support groups help
Grief can make you feel like no one around you truly gets it. Friends and family mean well, but their discomfort with your pain can leave you feeling even more isolated. In a support group, you are surrounded by people who are not afraid of your sadness. You can talk about your loved one without worrying that you are bringing the room down. You can cry, sit in silence, or simply listen. Research consistently shows that grief support groups reduce feelings of isolation, help normalize the grieving process, and provide practical coping strategies that make day-to-day life a little more manageable.
What to expect at a meeting
If you have never attended a grief support group, it is natural to feel nervous. Most groups begin with introductions, where each person shares their name and a little about their loss. There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with, especially in your first session. The facilitator guides the conversation, sometimes around a specific topic like managing anniversaries or handling unsolicited advice. Some groups incorporate readings, journaling, or mindfulness exercises. The tone is usually warm and unhurried. You are not expected to perform your grief or prove that you belong. Simply showing up is enough.
Types of grief support groups
Not all grief groups are the same, and finding the right fit matters. Therapy-led groups are facilitated by a licensed professional and tend to focus on processing emotions and developing coping skills. Peer support groups are run by fellow grievers and emphasize shared experience and mutual encouragement. Some programs, like GriefShare, follow a structured curriculum with video content and workbooks. Others are more open-ended and conversational. There are groups specifically for widows and widowers, parents who have lost children, people grieving a suicide loss, and many other circumstances. The right group is the one where you feel safe enough to be honest about where you are.
If you’d like to explore options beyond our directory, several national organizations maintain grief-specific support group networks. The Compassionate Friends supports families after the death of a child. GriefShare runs faith-based grief groups across the country. Mental Health America and NAMI also list groups for those experiencing complicated or prolonged grief.
Ready to find a grief support group?
You do not have to grieve alone, and you do not have to wait until you feel ready. Many people find that joining a group is what helps them feel ready to begin healing. Browse The Group Guide directory to search for grief support groups near you or online. Your next step does not have to be big. It just has to be yours.
Keep reading
- How to find a support group near you (online and in-person)
- Why shared struggle is actually therapeutic
- What makes peer support groups so useful
Ready to find the right group for you? Browse over 2,000 therapy groups, support groups, and peer communities, searchable by topic, location, and format. Find a group near you →
A note on what we do (and don’t). The Group Guide is a directory. Group leaders write their own listings, and we don’t vet, supervise, or endorse them. We’re not a clinic, and we don’t guarantee outcomes. That’s the group’s work, not ours.
If you’re in crisis, call or text 988.