Grief

You Don’t Have to Go through the Grieving Process Alone

Grief is a normal and natural response to loss, typically associated with the death of a loved one, but it can also be a response to other types of loss, such as the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or a significant change in life circumstances. Clinically, grief is defined as a complex set of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions to loss that may include sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, confusion, and physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and appetite changes. The experience of grief can vary widely from person to person and may involve different stages.

If you are experiencing grief, we have resources to help you

Grief Group at United Christian Parish

If you have experienced a loss and are struggling to cope with your grief, we invite you to our grief group which begins meeting regularly in the fall of 2025. There will be an interest meting on August 10 to learn more about the group.

About the Group
The United Christian Parish Grief Group is designed to help individuals cope with grief. The group is open to people of all faiths or no faith, members and non-members of United Christian Parish, and is led by a professional grief counselor, Rev. Louis Schwebius.

What to Expect
Expect a safe space to learn about grief, share experiences, and find hope and healing. 

Dates & Times
There will be an interest meeting on August 10, at 11:30 AM in room 113 (lunch provided) and on Zoom. If you plan to attend, register here. The group will begin meeting regularly in September.

What if I can’t attend the August 10 meeting, but wish to attend in the fall?
That is not a problem. Just make sure to fill out the registration form, and we will put you on the Grief Group email distribution list.

Questions?
If you would like to know more about the United Christian Parish Grief Group, do not hesitate to contact us.

Resources

  • Participants can find support and share advice with others who are grieving on the AARP Grief & Loss online public forum. You must register to participate. Visit the forum.

  • Capital Caring offers support to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. Whether you’re looking to share with others as part of a grief support group or prefer the intimacy of one-on-one grief counseling, Capital Caring Health can accommodate your needs. Learn more.

  • Provides sources of help, compassion, and understanding for families or individuals who have had a loved one die due to substance abuse or addiction. Learn more.

  • Grief counseling, support groups, and resources. 4606 Ravensworth Rd., Annandale, VA 22003; 703-941-7000. Visit their website.

  • A directory of resources for grief and loss categorized by type of loss.