Grief Support Groups For Community

Attending a grief support group can be a deeply meaningful step in the journey of healing after the loss of a loved one.

Grief often brings intense emotional pain, confusion, and a sense of isolation whether that loss is a parent, spouse, sibling, child, or pet; or whether the death is sudden or anticipated, or the result of suicide or overdose. In our support groups, individuals find a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore these feelings alongside others who truly understand. Sharing experiences and hearing other's stories helps normalize grief and reduces the sense of being alone or misunderstood.

These groups also support the development of life skills that are essential when learning to live in a world forever changed by loss. Participants gain tools for coping with emotional triggers, navigating difficult anniversaries or holidays, and adjusting to new roles and routines. Through compassionate guidance and peer connection, members begin to rediscover a sense of stability and purpose.

Equally important, grief support groups provide opportunities to honor the life and legacy of the individual who has died. Through conversation, ritual, storytelling, and shared reflections, we learn how to carry our loved one forward—not in pain, but in remembrance and meaning. We are invited to recognize their continuing influence on who we are becoming.

Grieving does not follow a straight path, nor does it have a fixed timeline. In the presence of others on a similar journey, we discover that healing is not about "getting over" our loss but growing from it. Our grief support groups are a circle of connection, resilience, and hope—where sorrow can be witnessed, and life, even in the midst of heartache, can continue.

Meet Our Counselors

Heidi Grandinetti

My name is Heidi Grandinetti and I am a death doula and grief support counselor, experienced in holding space for individuals and families during some of life's tender transitions. My work is grounded in compassion, presence, and a deep respect for the human experience of death, loss, and healing.

I grew up in Southing California and have called the Central Coast home since 1998. Before stepping into this calling, I spent over 30 years as a hairdresser, a career that taught me how to listen deeply, honor peoples stories and build meaningful connections. I’m also a mother, a role that continues to hold space for others with gentleness and care.

My commitment to the grief community is more than a profession- it’s my heart's true calling. Whether supporting someone at the end of life, guiding loved ones through anticipatory grief, or creating space for people to process loss long after a death has occurred, I believe grief deserves time, presence and community. I’m honored to do this work and walk alongside those navigating the sacred terrain of loss.

Tim Ross

My name is Tim Ross, and I was born and raised in San Luis Obispo. I am a great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and nephew to a family which chooses kindness above all else.

I have participated in and led a broad range of classes, workshops, and psychotherapy groups for over 30 years now. As an educator, I taught Love & Logic parenting in San Luis County for 25 years.  During that time, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I also provided individual and group therapy for our community and the state hospital and prison populations.

I’m not sure exactly what it is, possibly the Mystery of death, the simple fact we don’t know what happens afterward, that somehow offers those who face their grief a “fast-track” to insight, understanding, and compassion for others, as well as themselves. Who hasn’t experienced loss and the grief that follows?

Having been involved in death, dying, grief, and grieving for the past 10 years as a Hospice in-home volunteer and end-of-life doula, I am convinced “grief” groups are the most available and effective treatment, if you will, for our community’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.