EMBRACING GRIEF

WELCOMING LIFE

We Offer Grief Support Circles, Workshops and Rituals –  Online and In Person in London and Devon

Grief Support Through Grief Circles

In Embracing Grief events, we offer grief support through grief circles, workshops and rituals. We use the practice of Grief Tending as a process, which will include a grief circle or ritual. The circle is a form that allows each person to be included. We all have different histories and unique experiences. In Embracing Grief Support Circles, each person’s contribution is valuable. We each bring different reasons to grieve. People seek out grief circles, or workshops for a wide variety of reasons. All of these are welcome.

Sharing and Witnessing

It is through both sharing, and listening to each other that we can find solace. Being a part of a grief circle is mutually supportive. The practice of Grief Tending can help us to allow our emotions, and also develop compassion for others. We invite participants to be as present as possible with the group, while taking care of their own needs. Participating in a grief circle, may be a transformative experience. Through being present with each person, we also learn how to support others who grieve.

A Different Approach Than Bereavement Counselling

Embracing Grief support circles, workshops and rituals use some different approaches from bereavement counselling. They may provide a useful alternative from talk-based therapy. However, a Grief Tending process can also be a helpful way of working in conjunction with one-to-one counselling. We offer grief support groups that use body sensations, creative exercises, and rituals that may include a  perspective of something ‘greater than us’. Unlike ongoing counselling, Embracing Grief workshops are one-off events. People may come to one of our events occasionally and some people return regularly.

Grief Circles as a Grief Tending Process

The approach we use in our grief circles and workshops is Grief Tending. This means we use exercises to build support and trust within the grief support group. Then we offer ways to move towards feelings. Next, there is a central Grief Circle or another ritual to express grief. Afterwards we offer time to rest and settle after the experience. People are also invited to take care of their own needs throughout this guided journey. So, everything we offer is optional.

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“Communal grieving offers something that we cannot get when we grieve by ourselves. Through validation, acknowledgement and witnessing, communal grieving allows us to experience a level of healing that is deeply and profoundly freeing.”
Sobonfu Somé ‘Embracing Grief

Our workshop venue in London, E5

Grief Tending is Growing

We are collaborating with Sophy Banks of Grief Tending in Community and a Network of Practitioners to track the development of the practice of Grief Tending.

Eight Grief Tenders shared information on 225 events held between 1/12/2013 and 31/12/2024, where grief was shared and witnessed. In total there were 3066 people attending (including a total of 720 at two festivals in 2023 and 2024). Participants joined from all continents (except Antarctica), the majority from the UK, followed by Europe and the US and Canada.

The number of Grief Tending events increased over time. The duration of both face-to-face and online events varied widely.

There were multiple short online events – some lasted 1 hour others 4 hours and others were all day or over multiple days. The longest online programme is the Apprenticing to Grief, which runs over 3 weekends.

The duration of face-to-face events varied from one or more hours, to workshops which ran over four days, and the Apprenticing to Grief over six days. Most face-to-face events lasted for 1 day or 3- 5 days.

All events (online or face-to-face) were led by a Grief Tender and supported by at least one other Grief Tender, facilitator or assistant.

Embracing Grief events on Dandelion Earth, our ticketing platform, are rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 130 reviews.
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