Albuquerque, New Mexico Programs

New Mexico Programs

Why Are the Holidays So Hard?

The holiday season can be filled with emotions that can be more profound and surprising than other times of the year, especially for individuals who are grieving.

At HeartLight Center, we understand how hard this time of year can be. We are here to offer accessible grief support, compassionate guidance, and a safe space to heal—during the holidays and throughout every season of the year.

A Message from HeartLight Center this Holiday Season.

Holiday Remembrance Service:

December 8th, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Daniels Family Funeral - Carlisle Chapel

Join us for a holiday remembrance service as we come together to honor and remember those who have died.

(3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110)

Call to RSVP: (505) 884-1188

GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS:

AN EXPERIENTIAL WORKSHOP FOR HEALING AND CONNECTION

Wednesday, December 2nd from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM at Wallin and Luna Counseling: 5808 McLeod Rd NE, Suite M, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Holidays can be hard, especially for those experiencing grief—whether from the loss of a loved one, life transitions, relationship changes, or the complexities of being human. You don’t need a specific loss to join; the holidays often bring up unexpected emotions from memories past. In partnership with Kaytea Hendricks, MA LPCC & HeartSpace New Mexico.

What to expect:

Slow down together through supportive experiential therapy and psychodrama.
Engage in guided activities, creative expression, and light movement to connect with our inner selves.
Find space for sharing, listening, and witnessing one another.
Option to bring a meaningful object for a shared grief altar.

Register Here

Learn more and register for support groups below:

An ongoing peer support and educational group for adults (18+) who have experienced the death of a spouse, partner, or significant other. Regardless of how long ago the death occurred, you are welcome to attend.
Meets monthly on the first and third Monday at 4:00 pm at Daniels Family Funerals-Wyoming.
Click Here to register.
And
Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 3:00 pm at Daniels Family Funeral – Southern Chapel
Click Here to register
An ongoing peer support and educational group for adults (18+) who have experienced an unexpected, sudden, traumatic loss (including but not limited to accidental death, suicide, homicide, etc). Regardless of how long ago the death occurred, you are welcome to attend.
This group meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 3:30 pm at Daniels Family Funerals-Carlisle.
Click Here to register.
A welcoming peer support group for parents, grandparents, and caregivers (18+) grieving the death loss of a child at any age and for any reason. Together, we explore the grief process, share stories, and discuss ways to navigate life after loss. Participants are invited to bring a photo or a meaningful item to share.
This group meets monthly on the first Tuesday at 3:30 pm at Daniels Family Funerals-Carlisle.
Click Here to register.
Please check back for information on an in-person group.
Click Here to register for the Virtual Caregiver Group
An ongoing peer support and educational group for adults (18+) who have experienced the death of a parent, grandparent, or other important adult caregiver in their life. Regardless of how long ago the death occurred, you are welcome to attend.
This group meets monthly on the third Wednesday at 5:30 pm at the Los Vecinos Community Center in the East Mountains.
Click Here to register.
An ongoing peer support and educational group for adults (18+) who have experienced a death loss where substance use, abuse or overdose are part of the life or death narrative. Regardless of how long ago the death occurred, you are welcome to attend.
Meets monthly on the first Wednesday at 3:30 pm at Daniels Family Funerals- Alameda.
Click Here to register.
and
Meets monthly on the second Thursday at 3:00 PM at Bernalillo County Recovery Center
Click Here to register
*Please note: This group is not appropriate for individuals who are currently dealing with substance abuse.

What can I expect at an In-Person Support Group?

In-person support groups offer a welcoming, non-judgmental space to connect with others who understand the experience of grief. No matter where you are in your grief journey or how long it has been since your loss, you are invited to join us for community and peer support.

HeartLight groups are led by trained peer facilitators who are fellow grievers and understand the challenges of navigating loss. Each gathering lasts about 90 minutes, and group sizes are typically small (3 to 10 members) to create a comfortable, supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to share if they wish.

Learn more about how HeartLight Center creates a safe group space.

Meet Cora Fitzpatrick,

Community Liaison, New Mexico

Cora Fitzpatrick is a counsellor and psychotherapist with a BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy from Middlesex University, UK. She has experience supporting individuals and families through grief, suicide bereavement, suicidal distress and addiction recovery. She brings a calm, compassionate and grounded presence to her work, creating space for people to feel heard, seen, understood and supported.

It has been Cora’s learning and experience that sharing our grief, and sharing in the company of others who also find themselves here, can offer a profound and precious refuge as we navigate what can be one of the most challenging times of our lives. She believes in the importance of connection, community and compassionate listening, and looks forward to building connections across New Mexico and helping people find the support and resources they need.

You can connect with Cora at: cfitzpatrick@heartlightcenter.org