Pathways: Programs for Grief and Loss

What is Grief?

Grief is a normal response to loss that can literally turn a person's world upside down. Emotions, thought processes, behaviors, and physical well-being are all impacted by grief. Most people who suffer a loss experience one or more of the following:

anger
guilt
anxiety
depression
fatigue
confusion
inability to concentrate
change in appetite
sleep disturbances
physical complaints
sudden mood swings
lack of energy

Grief counseling helps people get through this very difficult time of bereavement.

Pathways Support Groups

Click here for current group/program calendar

Hospice of Larimer County understands the importance of bereavement support following the death of a loved one and as part of its mission provides grief support, counseling and education to members of our community. Anyone who lives in Larimer County who has experienced the death of a loved one can receive hospice bereavement care.

Hospice of Larimer County's Grief Support Groups provide a safe place, in the company of other grieving persons, to share, heal, and to grow. All Hospice support groups are facilitated by professional counselors.

Individual counseling is arranged by appointment. To participate in a grief support group interested persons must pre-register. For additional information, fee schedules and to register, call Hospice of Larimer County at (970) 663-3500.

The Mourning After, an adult group, is open to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. The focus of this group is both educational and supportive. It meets for nine weeks with evening and daytime groups available. Participants must register.

Outstretched Hands is a drop-in group open to senior widowed persons and is designed to offer mutual support, education, and coping strategies for grief. Monthly sessions focus on a particular topic and often feature a guest presenter. No registration is required.

Newly Bereaved is a short term support group for people whose loved one has recently died (one to three months prior). The group helps answer questions such as: What is happening to me? What can I do to help myself? Registration is required.

On Our Own, a monthly drop-in group, offers mutual support and education on topics of concern to widowed men and women. No registration is required.

HOPING (Helping Other Parents In Normal Grief) is an education/support group for parents who have experienced perinatal loss or the death of an infant. Meetings include time to share, experiences, resources and education about grief, loss and relationship changes. Registration is required.

Writing Through Loss, a unique group offered once or twice a year, is facilitated by a creative writing teacher and grief counselor. Participants explore their grief experience through writing. Registration is required.

Family Grief Connection Program is designed for families who have experienced the death of a family member. Concurrent grief support groups are offered for children, teens and parents. These groups meet for eight weeks and registration is required.

Kids Grief Connection is designed to give children ages seven to twelve, who have experienced the death of a loved one, help in understanding and expressing their feelings of loss.

Teens Grief Connection is open to teens who are grieving the death of a family member or friend. The group focuses on the unique issues of teenage grief in a safe setting among other bereaved teens.

Parents Grief Connection is intended to provide support and education to parents whose family is grieving a death loss.

Survivors of Suicide, For more information on this group, please call Suicide Resource Center at (970) 635-9301.

Private Counseling

Hospice of Larimer County also provides private counseling to adults, adolescents, and children who are grieving. Counseling is provided on a grief therapy model by therapists with expertise in issues of grief and loss. Appointments are necessary.

Alternative Therapies

Journey by Journaling is a group where you can explore your loss as your begin, continue, or deepen your journaling. Your journal is a simple and personal record of your grief journey. You'll discover how your journal can become a helpful companion in a time of loss.

Following Image is an art based group to help participants tap into the creative process to find a new and healthy way to relate to their experience of loss.

Therapeutic Massage is offered for caregivers and bereaved persons. Good self care is important for all of us - especially for the bereaved and the caregiver. Massages are offered on a limited basis and a fee is charged. For more information and to schedule appointments call (970) 663-3500.

Grief Education and Consultation

The Hospice of Larimer County grief support staff is available to educate and consult with community groups on issues of grief and loss.

Forgotten Mourners, an educational program on grief and loss specially for schools to help children and teens cope with loss. Hospice grief counselors provide educational seminars to school staff on grief and loss.

Grief in the Workplace offers on-site education and support to businesses in Larimer County.

Other programs offered annually include:

Surviving the Holidays When You're Grieving
Summer Grief Education Series
Explorations adult retreat
Kids, Horses and Healing
Memorial Services (semi-annual, open to entire community)