Widow / Partner Loss grief Groups - currently on hold

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• Focused on building resilience, connecting with others, and moving through the grief to a place of hope and growth.
• These are grief groups primarily set up for processing grief with the majority of the time spent with group members sharing.
• Educational components of grief will be touched on in each session.
• Experienced, professional facilitation by a fully licensed therapist whom has also experienced the death of a spouse.

For individuals  60+ years old who have experienced the death of their spouse or partner within the last 24 months.

• "The Beginners" and " Next Steps" Group meet every other Thursday from 6:15-8pm at a location near Eastside Grief and Loss.
• The "Over 60" Group meets every other Friday from 11:15-1pm at Eastside Grief and Loss.
• $30 per session.  
• Ongoing open group -  Intake required prior to group.
• 5-8 people maximum per group depending on group.
• Groups are ongoing with a short break every 12 weeks.
• Each group begins with a 10-15 minute topic presented by the facilitator (not necessarily to be the focus of group), followed by a 90  minute processing group.

What is Eastside Grief and Loss?

Eastside Grief and Loss is a grief / bereavement focused therapy practice that offers support groups and individual therapy for those that have lost a loved one. 

What support does Eastside Grief and Loss provide?

Eastside Grief and Loss offers ongoing support groups for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse / partner within the last 3 years by providing a space for grieving people to meet with others who have experienced loss.  In addition, there area a limited amount of Individual counseling time slots available each week for those in need of more support.  Eastside Grief and Loss is not a 24 hour facility and unable to provide ongoing support for those in crisis. 

How much does attending groups at Eastside Grief and Loss cost?

Each session is $30.  However, it's understandable that initial trepidation or skepticism about attending a group does exist for some people. The fee for the first session attended and the intake fee ($30) will be waived if you decide that the group format is not a good fit.  Should you return for a second time at group it will be considered as an indication the format works for you and I will ask permission to collect for the previously uncharged first session and intake. 

Why is there an age range for the groups? 

I have found there are many subtle and big differences as we get older and experience the death of a partner.  Items such as stage of life, prior experiences with death, or whether one identifies as an "older"  widow or partner loss person inform the discussions differently during the group process. Generally speaking, this happens around the age of 60.  If you are in your early 60s and feel you connect more with someone who is 50 versus someone who is 70, I am happy to see if you might be a good fit for the "younger" group. This is not a set in stone policy. 

How do I start attending a group at Eastside Grief and Loss?

An initial intake is required in order to attend a group. Intakes typically take 45-60 minutes and take place at the office. To schedule an intake, please fill out the online contact form at the bottom of this page or call the office at 425-651-6510.

Is group for everyone?

If you attend group and find it does not work for you or are told it makes better sense to have individual support it does not mean there is something wrong with you.  Group  is an open sharing concept and some people benefit from and are better suited for one on one support.   With that said, it does get easier in time whether you are an introvert / extrovert to learn how to share more or share less as you build trust within the other group members.  Ultimately, to be a productive member in group you will need to be able to "share the space" equally with others, provide a lot of active listening and respect the ground rules set forth by the facilitator. 

How big are the groups? 

The Beginners and Next Steps group will not be larger than 8 people at a time. The Over 60 group will not be larger than 5 people. 

Have you facilitated groups before? 

My previous work includes supporting over 400+ clients who have experienced the death of a spouse/partner, family member or friend.  I spent 9 years facilitating 600+ widow/partner loss groups at a non-profit in Seattle called The Healing Center. I have bring a unique tangible in that I have also experienced the death of a spouse, a stillborn child and raising a daughter with a profound disability.

Why do I need an intake? 

The intake is an opportunity to learn more about you and your story, as well as for you to learn more about Eastside Grief and Loss.

Do you bill insurance? 

At this time, Eastside Grief and Loss is not able to bill or accept any insurance plan.

Can I use my flexible spending or health savings account to pay for group?

You may be able to use these accounts to pay for your group, however, this will depend on the terms of your flexible spending or health savings account and you need to check with your provider.

How long will groups go? 

You are welcome to attend the support groups for as long as you want. There will be a small break every 12 sessions. It is not uncommon for members to come for a few years and move through both groups.