Hope Healing Hearts

Our grief support is currently provided through Zoom videoconferencing. Connect with a counselor in advance to receive a link to participate via email. Groups do not meet on major holidays, and schedules are subject to change.

Hope’s professional counselors maintain the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality. With generous community donations, we’re able to provide compassionate bereavement support at no charge to people of all ages in Southwest Florida.

COVID Loss

We welcome you to share your struggle to be with your loved one every step of the way. COVID-19 may have affected your journey of caregiving and navigating the medical community. Discuss complicated emotions such as anger, guilt, blame, or resentment. Through this group, you may learn how to create meaningful rituals and receive validation for your experience of loss – then and now as you grieve. Join us to discover positive, healthy steps you can take towards healing despite COVID-19’s continued presence in our community.

COVID Loss Group
Tuesdays 12:00 noon – 1:30pm
with Mary Lisa: 239-489-9184

Healing Survivors of Suicide

Hope helps people who have lost a loved one through suicide, recognizing that this experience is different from losing someone through other causes. You may feel deep feelings of abandonment or guilt as well as intense anger or sadness. Discover a safe place to explore these feelings and to raise questions and doubts.

Healing Survivors of Suicide Group
2nd and 4th Tuesdays 1:30pm – 3pm
with Mindy: 239-656-3241

Men’s Grief Toolkit

Men face their own set of challenges while moving through grief. Special group topics will include strategies for dealing with isolation, anger, fear, and other difficult emotions. You can explore, refine, and share these practical skills with your fellow group members as you develop your own Grief Toolkit.

Men’s Grief Toolkit for Ages 18 and Up
1st and 3rd Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:30 pm
with David: 239-284-9926

Young Widows and Widowers

This group is for people age 55 and younger who have lost a spouse or partner. In the prime of life, relationships are a cornerstone of our identity; your partner’s dreams are intertwined with your own, with hopes of many years to come. Young people may not know anyone in their social circle with a similar loss, but you will find help here.

Young Widows and Widowers
1st and 3rd Mondays 6pm – 7:30pm
with Mindy: 239-656-3241

LGBT+ Support Group

The grief of losing a partner may be shaped by the ways that your relationship was disclosed or acknowledged. Mourning the loss of family members or loved ones can also be impacted by your unique circumstances. If you faced instances of homophobia, hostility, or exclusion, these stressors will be addressed. Please join us for a safe place to grieve your loss with a caring community that welcomes people of all backgrounds.

LGBT+ Group
Wednesdays 12pm-1:30pm
with Tricia: 239-985-2485

Loss of a Parent

One of the most universal experiences of bereavement is the loss of a mother, father, or grandparent. Although we may anticipate this loss in an abstract way, it can be difficult to cope with the profound and transformative life changes after death occurs. Adult children ages 18 and up can find the help they need to cope with the loss of a parent in this support group.

Loss of a Parent Support Group
2nd and 4th Tuesdays 6pm – 7:30pm
with Janetta: 239-333-4245

Bereaved Parents

After the loss of a child, it’s difficult to know where to turn. You may feel that no one understands your grief. During your struggle, you may need a special place to ease your pain. Our groups offer a safe haven where you can feel heard and understood by fellow members who have walked your path. Please note: Bereaved Moms is open to mothers and grandmothers who have lost a child within the past two years.

Perinatal Loss Group

This group is open to women who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or failed attempts with reproductive technology. Unlike most bereavement, there are few rituals to mourn perinatal loss. Your grief may be unrecognized or unacknowledged by others, but we welcome you to share your story with us.

Perinatal Loss Group
2nd & 4th Mondays 6pm – 7:30pm
with Lorrie: 239-985-7716

Children’s Grief Counseling

Our supportive counselors help children who are coping with complex emotions after loss. In gentle, often play-filled sessions, we personalize our therapy to reflect each child’s abilities and unique communication style. With our guidance, kids will be able to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in an age-appropriate way. Children ages 6-17 may also benefit from the special opportunities available at Rainbow Trails Camp.

Grief Support for Children and Teens
Contact Mindy: 239-656-3241

Caregiver Support Group

Caring for a loved one who is seriously ill or elderly can physically or emotionally overwhelming. To be an effective caregiver, it’s vital to take care of yourself as well. Discover ways to nourish your spirit and increase your energy through self-care practices. We’ll share tools and resources to minimize stress and anxiety.

Caregiver Support Group
1st & 3rd Thursdays 2pm – 3:30pm
with Jessica: 239-478-7674

Next Steps in Grief: Loss After One Year

After coping with the immediate aftermath of grief, we may be able to find new purpose and even joy in life. Learn skills and strategies to encourage hope, to readjust to the new normal, and to imagine a more promising future ahead. After we have reached acceptance, we can begin another step of our bereavement journey – finding meaning in our loss.

Next Steps in Grief
1st and 3rd Tuesdays 6pm – 7:30pm
with Janetta: 239-333-4245

Pet Loss Support Group

Pets offer us companionship, comfort, and unconditional love. It’s normal to grieve the loss of a loyal, affectionate friend, who has often been with us through difficult times. If you are struggling with the loss of a beloved pet, join this special group to discuss your feelings with people who understand.

Pet Loss Support Group
Third Thursdays 4:00 p.m.
with Tricia: 239-985-2485

Crisis Support

Emotional support after a traumatic incident is most effective when it is provided quickly and directly by skilled, compassionate counselors. With our help, witnesses and victims can begin to address a confusing and complex variety of emotions. Support is available for schools, workplaces, and community organizations in southwest Florida.

Get Urgent Help after Trauma, Violence, or Natural Disaster
Contact Michelle: 239-489-9189