The holiday season can be hard when you’re grieving, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re definitely not alone. I created Awaken Grief Support Program because I know what it’s like to face the holidays carrying the weight of loss—my first loss happened just before Thanksgiving and forever changed my family.

Since then, supporting others through this season has been a mission close to my heart, and I'm honored to have spent over 20 years doing this work. As the author on several grief books, and holding a master’s in death, dying, and bereavement, I’ve had the privilege of helping people just like you find support and resilience, especially during these tougher times.

How a holiday grief support group can help you

I named my grief support group Awaken because, in the journey through loss, there’s often an awakening—a new awareness of our resilience, a deeper connection to ourselves, and a compassionate way of navigating life after loss. Awaken is about gently guiding you toward this place of inner strength and presence, helping you honor your grief while finding ways to live meaningfully again.

Members of Awaken enjoy a community of wonderfully compassionate people who truly understand what you’re going through. The group offers so much more than advice—it’s a place to connect, feel heard, and share what you’re going through without any judgment. Members often say it’s a relief just to be among others who get it.

Since Awaken is fully online, you can join our sessions from anywhere—even if you’re traveling over the holidays—so support is always just a click away.

What my holiday grief support group offers

The holidays can amplify feelings of grief, and being part of a group can make all the difference. Awaken offers:

• Understanding and Emotional Support: When you’re surrounded by people who know what it’s like, you won’t feel so alone. Our group members are caring, compassionate, and eager to help each other navigate this difficult season.
• Practical Coping Tools: Together, we work through mindfulness techniques, grounding practices, and other tools you can use anytime. These approaches can help you manage those challenging moments and even bring some peace into your holiday season.
• Weekly Sessions to Fit Your Schedule: Whether you need general support or are a family caregiver with specific needs, there’s a spot for you here.

How Awaken holiday grief support is different

What sets this holiday grief support group apart is its unique focus on building hope and resilience, rather than leaving you feeling weighed down by the grief of others. While each member brings their personal journey, Awaken is designed to gently support you without overwhelming you.

Our sessions center on mindful practices and actionable coping tools that uplift, guiding you to find your own strength and a renewed sense of peace. With my experience and approach, Awaken helps you honor your grief without getting lost in it, giving you a compassionate space to heal and diswrite cover new ways forward in the company of those who truly understand. 

Awaken is not a religious support group, but we welcome people of all faiths—and those who may not identify with any religion at all. Our focus is on mindful, compassionate support that complements any spiritual or non-spiritual perspective, creating an inclusive space for everyone’s unique journey through grief.

Awaken’s online weekly grief support schedule

The online Awaken sessions are designed to be accessible and welcoming, allowing you to join from the comfort of your own home. Each session is hosted via a secure video platform where members connect face-to-face in a private, supportive setting.

Sessions begin with a short grounding exercise or mindfulness practice to help everyone settle in, followed by a guided discussion that explores helpful coping tools, practical strategies, and shared experiences.

You’ll have the opportunity to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, knowing that you’re in a compassionate, understanding community. Whether you’re joining for general support or attending our dedicated family caregiver session, Awaken offers a safe space for you to feel supported and connected.

We meet at times that work for all schedules:

• Mondays: 4 PM ET
• Tuesdays: 6 PM ET
• Wednesdays: 4 PM ET (caregiver-focused session)
• Thursdays: 5:30 PM ET (grief yoga session)

Start your 14-day Free Trial Now

With the 14-day free trial to Awaken Grief Support Program, you can experience the full support of the Awaken community risk-free. During this period, you’ll have access to a wide range of resources designed to help you navigate grief, especially during the holiday season.

You’ll be able to connect with me personally in live sessions, where I’ll share tools and techniques I’ve developed over my 20 years of experience in grief support. This trial gives you a safe space to find comfort, ask questions, and see if Awaken feels like the right fit for your journey.

In addition to live support, you’ll also gain 24/7 access to the Mindfulness & Grief online course, packed with guided meditations, journaling prompts, and more resources to support you whenever you need them. The course is designed to help you build resilience and find moments of peace, with content that you can revisit any time that works for you. Joining Awaken with this free trial means you’re never alone—both in our sessions and through the tools available on-demand.