Definition of a Bereavement Support Group

When someone experiences the loss of a loved one, it can take years to heal. Sometimes it's helpful to join a bereavement support group to discuss one's feelings, offer support to others and get support when going through a hard time.

Peer Group

• Bereavement groups are made up of people who have experienced similar circumstances and are categorized as peer groups.

Location

• These groups take place in hospitals, at hospices, at mental health agencies or at someone's home.

Organization

• Bereavement groups are sometimes organized by the relationship to the loved one such as siblings, parents or children.

Leader

• Most bereavement groups are led by licensed mental-health professionals who also practice therapy. However, the group's participants usually interject, make comments and lead the group as much as the therapist.

Focus

• The focus of these groups ranges from research-based interventions to education by other group members to learning how to cope with a loved one's death.