Grief can be overwhelming, exhausting and isolating. This 6-week grief group is a safe, non-judgmental space for adults who have experienced painful losses to connect to others that get it. Led by Certified Grief Informed Professional and Licensed Social Worker Erlinda de la Torre, the group members will have an opportunity to share their pain, honor their loved ones, and explore grief within a community of support. At the end of the group, members tend to feel less alone and have a deeper, more hopeful understanding of the grieving process. Contact for date, times and further information.
Hosted by Erlinda A de la Torre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW, CTP, CGP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Naperville, IL 60563
Are you feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or anxious? Do you often feel alone in your struggle, like people don't get it? When we face emotional or mental health struggles such as anxiety depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, grief, loss, and past trauma, it can make us feel alone, lost, and hopeless. I want you to know, you are not alone, and there is help.
***Currently full, reach out to join waitlist***This is a virtual support group for adults (18+) who are navigating the death of parent or parental figure and are looking for a supportive space to process their grieving journey with others who are going through a similar experience. The goal of this group is to provide a safe, warm environment to reflect on and share personal experiences with grief; process the death of parental figures; and work towards finding meaning in and through these losses. The majority of our time together will be a blend of individual and group reflection focused on emotional processing.
Hosted by Margy Brill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60602
I value relationship and community-based healing, and my passion is building and offering intimate community spaces for people who are grieving the death of a loved one, in addition to navigating other life stressors and transitions.
I see my role in therapy as empowering and supporting you in identifying and using your unique identities, stories, and strengths to navigate life stressors, build self-esteem, and feel better in your mind and body; I center my work from a social justice lens to explore how our communities and systems have shaped these identities and stories. My experience includes supporting adults navigating a variety of life transitions, including death- loss, college/career, sober curiosity and relationships. I approach therapy from a client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed lens, cultivating a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
A Grief Support group for Adults 18+. Please see my profile pictures for more information.
Hosted by Dominik Kannerwischer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Plainfield, IL 60544
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, relationships, ADHD, grief, and life transitions.
In our sessions, I'll guide you through exploring your childhood experiences and how they might connect to patterns or triggers you face today. I work with a diverse range of clients, specializing in areas like trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, ADHD, grief, and life transitions. Together, we can address negative self-talk, low self-esteem, and self-care struggles. My goal is to help you find your voice, set healthy boundaries, gain insight from your past, and break free from limiting trauma responses.
Theme for September 14th 10:30 - 12: Connecting with Self Compassion. This is a somatic group aimed at inviting self compassion into your body with somatic healing techniques and gentle yin yoga postures. The group will include a guided meditation, several somatic healing techniques, yin yoga, visualization, and breathwork. Appropriate for all physical levels and the space is accessible. Please reach out if interested as space is limited!
Hosted by Angie Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, RYT200
Verified Verified
Group meets in Wheaton, IL 60187
My experience working with individuals covers areas of disruption from complex trauma, sexual abuse, religious trauma, grief, attachment wounds, abandonment and shame.
I believe healing is possible through an invitation to connect with your body, emotions, and thoughts. To build understanding about how your experiences, relationships, and culture have impacted your life. I seek to be a companion in the process of sharing your personal story as you sift through the well of your entire lived experience to discover your authentic voice. Together, we will use body based interventions, emotionally focused work, and brain-based approaches like EMDR to reclaim the chapters of your life where difficult experiences stole your sense of who you are, and nurture growth, healing, and overcome loneliness.
When a loved one takes their own life, pain and confusion can be crippling for those they leave behind. SOS- Survivors of Suicide Loss is a support group for those grieving such a loss. Join us in a caring confidential setting to share your story and to find strength, inspiration, and hope in each other. SOS is an open support group for those individual 18 years and older who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. No registration required.
Hosted by Jenn Balleto
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Crystal Lake, IL 60012
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. Over the last 10 years, I have had the opportunity to provide compassionate service to individuals, groups, and families who are experiencing challenges related to, depression, anxiety/panic, mood disorders, mental health crisis, substance use, psychosis, life transitions, and additional life stressors; with an expertise in the areas of grief/ loss, trauma, and traumatic loss.
Hosted by Caitlin McQueen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60647
The purpose of this group is to provide support for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. The group explores healthy coping skills, fosters knowledge of what is "normal" grief.
Hosted by Dyanne C Bresler
Counselor, MA, RN, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Park Ridge, IL 60068
All of those who suffer emotionally have something in common--a painful loss of security, of esteem, of support, of health, of love or of control.
I work to create an atmosphere that is safe for my clients. I may use humor, ask more questions, make comments. As we progress, I will suggest new ways to approach situations and problems. Sometimes I teach my clients relaxation techniques. We talk. I listen. Sometimes I teach or even pray with my clients. In my office, folks are invited to be direct, to be honest, and to know that there will be no judgment of them for revealing their "dark side." Their challenge is reveal who and what they are. Mine is to make it safe.
Going through fertility treatment can feel isolating, overwhelming and scary. Being able to talk to other people who are also on the journey can provide comfort, hope and community. In this VIRTUAL GROUP we strive to create that community to help empower you to forge a path that perhaps you haven’t necessarily witnessed others doing up close. Group sessions will be led by one of Flourish’s therapists. Register for this group by emailing contact@flourishcounselingltd.com or calling our office at (312) 659-4718 ext 1
Hosted by Flourish Counseling & Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60614
We specialize in women's and perinatal mental health, such as: postpartum anxiety/depression/OCD, grief, relationship issues (couple/parent-child), birth, pregnancy loss, infertility, parenthood & menopause.
Flourish Counseling & Wellness is a group practice providing counseling & medication management focused on women's and perinatal mental health - from fertility to pregnancy, through postpartum and parenthood. We envision a world where families have the information and support they need to heal, connect and flourish. To support that vision, we have assembled an experienced group of clinicians to serve clients in Chicago, Oak Park, and throughout Illinois. Our team consists of clinical social workers, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, marriage/family therapists and certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinicians (PMH-C).
This 8 week course teaches mindfulness based techniques to help client learn to stay present, decrease obsessive thoughts and cultivate a more positive outlook in a supportive, nurturing environment.
Hosted by Dr. Theresa A Bussert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Naperville, IL 60563
We all need some help during different seasons of our lives. I have worked in a variety of setting helping client overcome obstacles and move beyond emotional struggles. I utilizes various approaches with my clients in developing practical strategies unique to the individual's own strengths. I specializes in eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, families with special needs, grief/ loss and related difficulties.
This is a private practice with a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Art Therapist on staff. It is located in Rogers Park, dedicated to serving the community around it and all individuals seeking a more fulfilled, balanced life.
Hosted by Audra K Eisin-Banazek
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, ATR
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60626
I am a Chicago native, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Art Therapist. I strive to help my clients be better able to cope with all of life’s challenges. Whether you are interested in talking or using creative art therapy techniques, I have over 15 years experience to guide you into the transformation you hope to achieve. If you are navigating difficulties in your complex life, dealing with Anxiety or Depression, processing trauma, coping with diagnosis like Cancer and ALS, or the loss of someone you love, I can help.
Are you struggling with losing a beloved furry friend/companion/animal assistant? Losing a pet can be one of the most heart-wrenching experiences in life. At St Pauls, we understand the deep bond you shared with your beloved pet/family member, and we're here to offer support, understanding, and a virtual shoulder to lean on. Join Dr. Nancy Curotto from Pet Loss Psychotherapy for a 1-hour virtual support group. Click the link to register for the virtual support group. tinyurl.com/healing-hearts-support.
Hosted by Nancy Curotto, Psy.D. LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60614
I’m a psychologist who is EMDR Certified, a Grief educator, a Pet loss specialist, and a Life Coach.
For over 20 years, I've had the privilege of helping individuals recognize their emotional needs and develop the skills to achieve wellness. I offer a specialized setting where you can develop an understanding of how past/current relationships, childhood, and adult experiences have influenced your life, career choices/satisfaction, and overall happiness. My treatment style is interactive, and my approach includes exploring mental/emotional, spiritual, and physical needs and identifying your strengths and gifts. I emphasize the importance and uniqueness of diverse cultural backgrounds and their influence on one's life.
Este es un grupo donde las personas de habla hispana pueden hablar de sus experiencias viviendo en Estados Unidos, y procesar emociones relacionadas con el desarraigo, el choque de culturas, criar una familia lejos, y otras problemáticas ligadas a vivir lejos del hogar de origen.
Hosted by Valeria Slapak Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Evanston, IL 60202
Navigating significant transitions is challenging for everyone, particularly when they impact your identity, culture, or values. During our therapy sessions, we will dedicate time and space to explore, define, and deepen your understanding of yourself, your relationships with others, and your connection to the world. By articulating difficult feelings, you will gain control over strong emotions rather than letting them control you. My goal is to empower my clients to discover their inner resources in the face of transitions, especially those that evoke feelings of instability, loss, isolation, uncertainty, and fear.
You never expected or planned to become a full time caregiver to your partner or parent, and this shift often brings loneliness, anger, or loss. Role reversal can be scary and hard to navigate, as you take on new responsibilities while trying to plan for the future. The Caring for Caregivers group is a supportive space for you. Through this group, you will gain insight and support from group members, build connections with others who understand, and have a welcoming space to process the challenges of caregiving. We take Medicare, BCBS, Aetna, and UHC.
Hosted by Anya Drew
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60602
I have experience with anxiety, grief and loss, depression, adjustment to chronic illness, familial dementia stressors, caregiver stress, and sibling relationships.
I believe that every individual is unique, and that starting therapy can be difficult no matter your age. A person’s mental health is very important, and while it can be burdensome to start the process of improving it, reaching out for support is an important first step. I want to make the process of finding a therapist that works for you easy and painless. Even if I end up not being the right fit, I will help to find someone who I believe will work well with you and your needs.
As soon as parents learn their child is addicted to drugs, grief starts. The hopes and dreams of a healthy family have changed to chaos and survival, affecting the entire family. The 6 week session addresses the challenges the family faced throughout the addiction and now the intense emotions of grief. Death to addiction is referred to a disenfranchised grief because of the stigma associated with addiction. Each week addresses a different challenge faced. Guest speakers will share their personal experiences, providing hope and encouragement to parents.This is a safe place without judgement to talk about their child.
Hosted by Kathleen Sue Cherven
Counselor, RN, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Morris, IL 60450
Specific techniques are used to help a client who has experienced a traumatic loss and is experiencing PTSD.
There are times life runs smoothly and then an unexpected loss is experienced causing a grief reaction with many confusing and overwhelming emotions. The loss may be through the death of a loved one or a non death related loss such as job loss, loss of possessions, acquired disabilities, or life changing events. At times, a person may need guidance to help with those adjustments.
Join us at Room to Grieve, a virtual grief and loss support group for you to have a welcoming community, an understanding space, and room to process your experience of grief and all that comes with it. Through supportive conversations, reflective exercises, and meaning making activities, we will learn together about the 5 stages and beyond, complicated grief, forgiveness, creating a narrative about the loss, reminiscence and life review, and how to create rituals and self care methods when sadness and loss overwhelms our ability to cope.
Hosted by Anu Spain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60602
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 15 years of psychotherapy experience. I received dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Women’s Studies from Loyola University, Chicago. I previously worked as a hospice and palliative care social worker for 7 years at Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter (now Journeycare) where I provided care for individuals and families coping with with terminal and life limiting illnesses. I was a therapist at Thrive Counseling Center in Oak Park for 8 years, working with older adults and also doing individual and family therapy with adults; I also started a grief and loss support group there.
In 2008, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. After the better part of a year, I went into remission, and I realized I wanted to work with other cancer fighters. I went back to school and earned my Master in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Since my career change, I’ve worked in refugee resettlement, cancer treatment, hospice care, acute inpatient treatment, outpatient behavioral health, and community mental health. My goal is to foster an environment where clients feel supported, validated, and empowered.
Hosted by Defiant Growth Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60657
Are you struggling to stay motivated and optimistic? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a medical diagnosis, entering retirement, growing older, your children leaving home, or another major life change? Do you live with anxiety and have difficulty trusting yourself? I work with grief and loss, terminal and chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and co-dependency. My goal is to foster an environment where my clients feel supported, validated, and empowered.
Grief group counseling offers a supportive environment where individuals dealing with loss can share their feelings and connect with others facing similar experiences. You can anticipate a structured setting where you receive assistance in processing your emotions, navigating the challenges of grief, and developing coping strategies. This group will meet bi-weekly for a total of 12 sessions in-person.
Hosted by Callie Mazariegos
Counselor, MA, LCPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Group meets in Wheaton, IL 60187
My expertise encompasses a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, trauma, relational issues, and eating disorders.
Seeking authenticity and connection is a natural part of our human experience, and it extends to therapy experience as well. As a therapist, my primary goal is to provide you with a safe and genuine space where you can tap into your inner resources for personal growth and transformation. Taking the courageous step towards change may feel daunting, but rest assured, embracing your authentic self is truly worthwhile.
Follow PurSneakity, a feline creature of bad habits, as he embarks on a journey of self improvement with the help of a "purchologist," a human counselor who speaks fluent Meow and specializes in feline issues. Learn how humans closely resemble cats (especially in their unwillingness to be trained) as PurSneakity struggles, resists, progresses, and backslides in overcoming undesireble behaviors. Starting in January, 2025, this online group will meet for four consecutive Wednesday evenings.
Hosted by Jessica Loftus
Psychologist, PhD, LCP, NCCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Palos Heights, IL 60463
My specialties include chronic anxiety, childhood abuse, grief, divorce, depression, job loss, chronic pain, work stress, infertility, and relationship problems.
If you could have your ideal life, what would it look like? Would you like to shed the bad habits that get in the way of achieving your most valued goals? Are you ready to try new challenges to live more fully? Warm, professional counseling can provide the support for you to gain insight into your struggles, overcome roadblocks, and succeed in the important areas of your life.
In-Person, Six-Week, therapeutic, process-oriented and psychoeducational, grief support group. This group is for those grieving the death of a spouse or partner. Led by a grief counselor, Karen Liebold, L.C.P.C. Call Karen for more information, registration and intake.
Hosted by Karen Liebold at The Oaks Counseling Center
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Streamwood, IL 60107
As a grief counselor, educator and speaker, my focus is to help others with those challenges, to give witness to your story and to help in areas of 'stuck-ness'.
The Oaks Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling services, programs and workshops for adults and children (ages 5-12). Our clients may be walking through loss, retirement, end-of-life, chronic illness/pain, living with food allergies, parenting a child with special needs or life-threatening food allergies. Our clients include those grieving due to mass shootings, homicide, suicide, overdose death, accidental death, disease, sudden death or missing persons. Our clients may be a first responder, military, or professional caregiver who is processing compassion fatigue and job-related stress.
Due to COVID, groups have been limited and based on demand. This group is designed to assist and provide a layer of support to individuals experiencing grief due to the loss of loved ones. The group is psychoeducational entailing the Stages of Grief, differentiation of complicated versus uncomplicated grief, and integrates grief counseling and grief therapy based on Worden's (2009) handbook for mental health practitioners. Each group is needs-based and is limited to 8 clients for 8 weekly sessions. Groups are ran quarterly based on need. GROUP STARTING 3/5/22 TO 3/26/22. CALL AND REGISTER NOW!!
Hosted by Michelle Robinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Homewood, IL 60430
I carry experience and knowledge in ADHD, grief, and am willing to journey with you.
I am passionate about assisting others as they draw meaning in their lives and seek to establish relational support when faced with adversity. Oftentimes it is difficult to connect from the inside out and from the outside in when we are hurting. Many individuals are longing for someone to hear, care, and validate their feelings. I have worked with diverse populations with a myriad of mental health challenges, and have come to an understanding that hurt and pain knows no race, creed, or ethnicity; we all share in these throughout our lifetime.
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Grief Support Groups
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.