Closed Support Group Format:
There is a series of set meeting dates as well as a pre-defined curriculum to help guide group discussions and topics for each meeting. No one new will join the group after the first meeting. Each meeting will last approximately an hour and a half for each scheduled date of the series. Group size typically will range from 3-10 people. There is a cost associated with the closed groups at HeartLight Center.
Open Support Group Format:
Typically held on a monthly basis, the Open Support Groups are drop-in style. You can come to as many as is helpful to you throughout the month and at any point on your grief journey. Some are general and some are specific to type of loss or relationship. The participants may vary from meeting to meeting, with the group size ranging from 3-20 people. There is a suggested donation for open support group attendance.
Donations:
HeartLight Center is a donation-based nonprofit organization and welcomes contributions for group attendance. If you find any group or program useful to you and you are able to contribute, we welcome donations through our website, mailed to HeartLight Center, or brought in-person to groups.
What to Expect at a HeartLight Center Program:
Arrival and Getting Settled
Upon arrival in-person, each attendee is asked to check in with the facilitator and fill out a name tag so everyone knows who is in the group. If joining online, please fill in your name in the Zoom window. We plan to start and conclude all programs on time.
Orientation/Introduction/Check-In
All programs will begin with the facilitator providing a brief orientation to the group and general housekeeping. Then individuals are invited to participate in a check-in to include sharing your name, who you are grieving for, if online also sharing where you are joining from, and what you hope to gain from the time being shared. Facilitators may have specific questions or prompts for your check-in. It is asked that everyone joining the group provide an introduction so we know who is sharing the space with us.
Focused Discussion
Facilitators will open the group to discussion. This may include a specific topic, reading/quote, reflection invitation, or ask participants to share their grief stories in more detail. You are invited to share about the person/people you are grieving for, your grief experiences, your thoughts and questions. Everyone’s experiences are unique, and we are here to hold a safe space for everyone in attendance.
Check-Outs
We conclude the time together with a brief check-out to invite individuals to share any final thoughts, comments, or take-aways from the experience. The next meeting date will be shared and, if appropriate, the facilitator may send a recap of resources discussed in group after the meeting.
Guidelines for Creating a Safe Group Space:
Peer Support: HeartLight Center provides peer-based grief support. Our groups and programs are not a substitute for professional therapy. If you are interested in talking to a professional, HeartLight Center can send you a referral list per request.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Please do not share personal information about others in attendance or the stories shared in the group outside of the group setting to respect privacy.
Respect and Nonjudgment: We are not here to judge each other or apply pressure on anyone in the group with us. It is important not to compare grief journeys. Please avoid advice giving but instead share about personal experiences as others may gain takeaways from what you share. A helpful phrase to use in group is: “Something that helped me is…”
Voluntary Participation: You are invited to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable. If the facilitator or another participant asks you a question during group, you are allowed to “pass” or decline to answer.
Equal “Air Time”: We ask that you please respectfully share the time so that everyone has equal opportunity to share. There may be instances where a participant may start to share for longer periods of time, in which case the facilitator may gently interrupt, at their discretion, to re-open conversation to the rest of the group.
Waiting to Speak: Please do your best to wait until others are done talking to begin talking so as not to interrupt one another. We encourage all attendees to be intentional, respectful, and actively listen to one another during a group meeting. If you are joining a virtual program, it is easiest to stay muted if not speaking.
Moments of Silence: We may experience moments of silence during our time together, and that is okay. Silence may offer opportunities to gather thoughts, a moment to reflect, or process experiences or what has been shared. If something comes up that you would like to share, you are invited to break the silence, or the facilitator will also guide the conversation through any moments of silence that occur.
Safety and Wellbeing: The safety and wellbeing of every participant is important to HeartLight Center. If a facilitator has any concerns about your safety during the group session, they may follow up with you afterwards or have HeartLight Center staff reach out to ensure you have support and a safe environment.
Resources and Additional Support: You are invited to take notes during our time for any resources including other programs, books or quotes that are shared during our time together. You are welcome to attend any and all HeartLight programs that are helpful for you. If you have any questions about a program, we welcome you to reach out to us. If there is a resource you are in need of, please contact us for a connection or referral by emailing [email protected] or calling 720-748-9908.
Substance-Free Zone: Please do not consume alcohol or other substances while the group is meeting. You are welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to group.
Contact Information: HeartLight Center does not share contact information unless permission is granted. Participants in group who wish to exchange contact information to be in touch outside of group are invited to do so at their own discretion.
