"How to Create, Launch and Lead a Grief Sharing Circle"

March - April 2027
​7 Consecutive Mondays beginning March 1st
4:00-5:30 pm ET​
​Facilitator, Dr. Jan Lundy and Guest Speakers

A Grief Sharing Circle...

is an innovative model for tending to loss in a supportive group setting (in-person or virtual). Different than a traditional bereavement group, a Grief Sharing Circle can be formed around any type of loss, not just the death of a loved one.

A Grief Sharing Circle is based on a companionship model. It is a peer led group whose leader has experienced loss and grief themselves, and has received dedicated training in how to provide compassionate support and leadership to bereaved individuals. 

In this unique, 7-week, praxis-oriented training, you will learn how to create, launch and lead a Grief Sharing Circle.

You will be guided through a hands-on process which will enable you to determine the focus of your Circle—based upon your personal experience with loss, harnessing your passions, and utilizing your notable gifts. 

What Kind of Grief Sharing Circle Might You Create? 

Keeping in mind there are as many types of losses as there are people, we encourage a creative approach to bereavement care. We will help you discern how you wish to serve others through the Grief Sharing Circle format and provide the tools you need to start and guide your unique group.
• For a specific type of death (loss of a partner, child, sibling, et.al)
• The loss of a job/career 
​• Loss of identity or roles
• Loss of vibrant health; living with pain or illness
• Pet loss
• Aging
• Transitioning to retirement
• Disenfranchised grief (miscarriage, infertility, divorce, one's identity, dementia, addiction, death of an ex-partner)
• Ambiguous loss (addiction, dementia, mental illness, brain injury, natural disasters)

The unique structure of a Grief Sharing Circle has many benefits, including:

• Helping the bereaved constructively manage the pain of grief
• Providing a safe, brave and non-judgmental place to engage in the soul work of mourning
• Offering unique opportunities to both heard and understood 
• Lessening a sense of isolation
• Developing new friendships rooted in compassionate presence for one another
• Learning new ways to approach problems that come with the mourning process
 • Creating a healing environment where mourners can begin to find meaning in life despite loss
• Embracing healing, renewing hope in living 

​Claiming Your Desire to Serve:
Become a Grief Sharing Circle Facilitator

If you have the desire to ease the suffering of those who live with grief,
​the format of a peer led, Grief Sharing Circle may be just right for you.

How to Register for the Training:

Tuition Cost: $450
Registration closes Feb. 12, 2027
Send us an e-mail to begin the registration process. 

Testimonials 

"I loved the broad models that were presented within the course of the training. I had the opportunity to really contemplate what type of sharing circle was mine to offer. I came in thinking that only those with losses due to the death of a loved one were included in a group setting like this. I left with my mind circulating with thoughts of what other types of losses could be included within this structure. I enjoyed the guest speakers who had real world experience offering grief circles.  The ability to ask questions based on their experience was very helpful.  The insights that were shared really added to the thoughtfulness within the course."
-K.L.G., MI, USA
"Thank you, Jan, for a deep, meaningful, life-changing experience. You are a gifted teacher and I’m grateful for your wise mentorship."
J.B., CO, USA 
"I am so grateful for this program, as it certainly has made a positive impact on my congregation, friends, myself..."
M.L. CA, USA