Woman in tears

Real Grief
Real Support

Share. Feel. Heal.

Grief is different for everyone. It’s a deeply personal and complex process that can be set off by a variety of events. Grief is often messy, painful, unpredictable—or all-consuming. And for some, it can even feel like the very act of grieving is being judged. Not here. Real Grief workshops are for every type of grief, and everyone who wants to heal.

Man with folded hands
Man in tears with folded hands
Woman dabbing tears with tissue

Access. Understanding. Patience.

A path toward healing, with free clinical grief therapy for anyone in the community—no matter your background, faith, age or insurance situation.

Workshops with others who’ve experienced the same type of loss. Feel compassion from people who know what it’s like.

Within a safe space, manage grief on your terms. Take your time—we’ll help you move forward at a comfortable pace.

What Is Real Grief?

Real Grief is a new approach to providing accessible, inclusive grief support to those in our community. Our in-person workshops take on complex issues related to loss and grief, providing compassionate support no matter what your grief looks like. Whether you’re affected by a sudden tragedy, the early passing of a loved one, or the quiet accumulation of losses within an aging friend group—your emotions are real and so is the support you’ll find here.

A Safe Space For Healing

When you’re grieving, emotions follow an unpredictable cycle. They fade at times but return when you least expect them to. Real Grief workshops provide a welcoming and compassionate space to deal with overwhelming pain, guilt and isolation. Participants are supported in honoring their loss, understanding their emotions, and gaining strength from others going through the same thing.

Real Grief
Workshops

Each month, our experienced therapists will lead a gentle and understanding grief support workshop that helps those grieving the loss of a loved one to a specific type of event. Together we will process emotions, share stories, and explore pathways toward healing and hope. All of our grief workshops are provided to the community at no cost.

Upcoming Real Grief Workshops

  • Woman dabbing tears with tissue

    Suicide Loss Workshop

    Suicide is a topic marred with stigma. Societal perception and uneasiness can turn suicide grief into persistent shame and discomfort that can complicate the grieving process while hindering an open discussion. It is such a complex and unexpected loss, often with no single explanation. We are working to change the narrative around suicide. This workshop provides support and connection for those grieving a loved one lost to suicide, offering tools for healing and reducing isolation.


    from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

    Van Andel Hope and Healing Pavilion

    8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr. SW
    Byron Center, MI 49315

    REGISTER NOW
  • Man in tears with folded hands

    Loss to Addiction

    Losing someone to addiction can bring a unique and often complicated grief. Alongside sorrow, individuals may experience feelings of confusion, guilt, anger, or unanswered questions. Because addiction can carry stigma, this type of loss is not always fully understood—leaving many to grieve without the support or acknowledgment they need.

    This workshop offers a compassionate and nonjudgmental space for individuals to share their experiences, connect with others who understand, and begin to process the many layers of loss.


    from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

    Van Andel Hope and Healing Pavilion

    8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr. SW
    Byron Center, MI 49315

    REGISTER NOW

Future Topics

Loss by Homicide

Grieving the Loss of a Child

Coping with Grief Triggers

Loss by Accident

Infant Loss Workshop

Grieving the Loss of Friends

Get Back To Living

Real Grief Workshops are provided to our community FREE of charge and will be offered at accessible locations.

Call 616-356-4825 to register or click on a register now button above.