Grief Support Group

Starting Over: after the loss

Grief counseling
After the loss of a close person -parent, spouse, child, friend- your everyday life is utterly changed and the pain you feel is a deep grief which makes everything so difficult to cope with.

In our culture we rush to put a lid on emotions and the natural process that needs to happen to deal with loss and grief. But we can't skip emotional steps! Just burying the feelings will not help us deal with the loss, save the memories of our beloved person, live authentically, or move forward with real freedom. In a culture that often avoids talking about loss, grief support groups give you the opportunity to share your story openly and guilt-free.

We all need a support system to help us as we move through our grief journey. While family and friends are vital, they cannot always support us, either because they are struggling to deal with their own grief, or because they simply don’t “get” it.  That is where a grief support group can become a valuable resource.

Will it help me if I join?

It is proved that people who have participated in our group for a few months have felt more in peace with the (painful) grieving process, less lonely, more connected with others and belonging to a group, and they have admitted that they can cope better with their daily life.

We form groups where people can come and share all these painful emotions and get support from peers who have gone through similar experience. Our counselor holds the scientific background and the warm personality to support us through such an overwhelming experience.

In our groups, you can find:
  • Emotional support in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
  • Understanding from others who have experienced a similar loss.
  • The opportunity to begin the healing process through sharing your own story and hearing the stories of others.
  • Coping skills to help you through the most difficult days of your grief journey.
  • The opportunity to discover new “routines” and ideas to keep loved ones present in your hearts and in your memories.
  • Increased understanding of how others react to loss and how to help them support you better.
  • Permission to grieve and permission to live a happy productive life.

We discuss about:

-Stages of grief
-Managing flashbacks
-Going through the "year of first's" (first Christmas, first holidays, first birthday, etc)
-Troubled sleep
-Feeling empty
-Meaningful rituals
​-Dealing with grief as an expat 
-Dealing with depression
-Handling holidays
-Dealing with the possessions of the loved one
-Reinvesting life
-Failing to grieve
​-Complicated grief
​-Forgiveness
-Self-care
-Daily demands

About our meetings

The Grief Support Group meets twice a month.
At our meetings we provide positive support in a NON-JUDGMENTAL setting where each member has a chance to discuss the evening's topic or any issue that is relevant to his/her situation.

DO NOT FORGET: While death is the end of a relationship, it also provides the opportunity for re-evaluating life and your relationships.  

Bring only your concerns, questions, open minds and warm hearts!

Who are our members

Men and women of all ages who are going through loss, any kind of loss: 
--Loss of a spouse
--Loss of a parent
--Loss of a child
--Loss of a sibling 
--Suicide Loss
​--For Supporters of a terminally-ill person
--Grief Support for children

Useful Information & Registration

FEES: 50€ for the 1st meeting - 90€ monthly membership after registration  
PLACE: The Hague - Leiden
NO OF PARTICIPANTS: 6 max. - REGISTER NOW
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**Your presence means a lot to other people who are counting on your support, so please join us only if you feel attending almost every meeting.**

Contact me here for details 
"My mind knows you are in a better place, where there is no pain. You are at peace. I understand that.
​I just wish I could explain that to my heart." 

What other members said

"I've recently joined a new Support Group. I didn't know what to expect but each time I have been, I've noticed that there is a healing 'energy' in the room. People share their stories and situations in a safe way. It's a small intimate group, it feels good to have a window to share with others travelling a similarly difficult journey. Vassia who facilitates holds the group in a very talented way. She gives home exercises that are really causing me to be brave and deepen the process of acceptance."
​(M., from the Divorce Support Group-Leiden)
~
"Vassia is a skillful, caring, empathetic and assertive counselor.
With her energy and her endless will to help, the support group exceeds our expectations."
​(J., from the Divorce Support Group-Leiden)

Find your community at Meetup

Starting Over: Grief Support - Loss of a Spouse 
Starting Over: Grief Support - Loss of a Child
Starting Over: Grief Support - Loss of a Parent
Cancellation Policy

Upon cancelling within less than 24 hours there is 100% charge. In case of cancellation 24 hours prior the session/meeting, there is a 50% charge. No charge is placed upon cancelling 48 hours or more prior the session.