Grief Support

About HopeWest Grief Support

Support Groups & Programs

Meet the Team

Grief Support Resources

Grief is a natural, necessary, and highly personal experience unique to everyone. While grief does not follow a timetable, it does ease over time. Facing grief and working through it, can result in newfound peace, strength, and purpose.

Grief Support

Grief is a natural, necessary, and highly personal experience unique to everyone. While grief does not follow a timetable, it does ease over time. Facing grief and working through it, can result in newfound peace, strength, and purpose.

About HopeWest Grief Support

Support Groups & Programs

Meet the Team

Grief Support Resources

Let’s talk about how we can help you.

HopeWest offers an array of support groups where you can learn how to cope with grief and connect with others who share a common bond. We also offer 13 months of bereavement support to families after the death of a loved one who received hospice care. This includes phone calls, options for one-on-one counseling, groups, and workshops aimed at helping people work through the grief process.

We also offer grief support services that are open to anyone in the community dealing with the loss of a loved one.

My loved one wasn’t in HopeWest care, can I still receive grief support services?

HopeWest Grief Support is for anyone in the Colorado community who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Whether it is anticipatory grief, or learning to cope with a loss, our trained and caring staff is available to help surviving family and friends cope with their grief.

Does HopeWest charge for grief services?

Some insurances can be billed for one-on-one counseling, and when they can’t we can work out a sliding scale. Groups are free for adults. Groups are free for kids except for Healing with Horses and camps, but the fee is nominal. We never turn anyone away. Ability to pay is never a deciding factor as to whether someone can get support through HopeWest Grief Support.

What type of grief processing is supported?

Through individual counseling, group counseling, camps, programs, and additional resources, HopeWest Grief Support serves those experiencing a serious illness, anticipatory grief, and the death of a loved one.

When can I call?

It’s never too early or too late to discuss how the expertise and compassion of HopeWest Grief Support can help. Whether your loved one died 15 years ago or is currently experiencing a serious illness, it’s always the right time to reach out for support. Call us at 970-257-2390.

How do I get started?

Call us at 970-257-2390 for help with deciding which support options will be the best fit for you. We’ll equip you with all the information you need to get started with HopeWest Grief Support.

“Mending Hearts is a support group where you respect others and give them time to talk. It amazes me how comfortable others are to share what is in their hearts. It helped me learn that grief is never really over, but that it’s okay to smile and be happy again.”

-Royce Ann, Mending Hearts Participant

Grief Support Groups & Programs

HopeWest grief support services are open to anyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a loved one. For more information about availability, please call 970-257-2390.

Delta County

For more information on Delta County groups, please call 970-914-2047 or email AdultBereavement@HopeWestCO.org.

Individual & Family Counseling

Counseling sessions are available to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one or are connected to someone with a serious illness. Many of these services are free. Others are offered at a nominal fee on a sliding scale basis or are covered by insurance. Services are offered based on client preference, via Zoom or in-person.

Drop-in Grief Support Group
Any Type of Loss—Offered Monthly—Open Group
Our come-as-you-can opportunity for grieving folks to connect with others in an open, supportive environment, where attendees voice concerns, share memories and ask questions. Designed for flexibility – members can attend or not, as they need.

Mending Hearts Grief Support Group
Any Type of Loss—5-Week Closed Group—Registration Required
In the safety of a group and in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding, members talk about their feelings and concerns. As they share their experiences, members help each other work through their feelings and come to terms with the new realities of life. Mending Hearts is a community service of HopeWest. Anyone can attend this group free of charge.

Handling the Holidays
Open to the Community—Offered 2x a Year
The holidays can be a difficult time of year when grieving the death of a loved one. Handling the Holidays is open for anyone in our community grieving a loved one during the Holidays. We will come together and provide materials for those grieving to help them through this process while supporting one another during the holiday season. This program is open to all adults in our community who are grieving the death of a loved one.

Mesa County

For more information on Mesa County groups, please call 970-257-2390 or email AdultBereavement@HopeWestCO.org.

Individual & Family Counseling

Counseling sessions are available to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one or are connected to someone with a serious illness. Many of these services are free. Others are offered at a nominal fee on a sliding scale basis or are covered by insurance. Services are offered based on client preference, via Zoom or in-person.

Drop-in Grief Support Group

Any Type of Loss—Offered 2x a Month—Open Group
Our come-as-you-can opportunity for grieving folks to connect with others in an open, supportive environment, where attendees voice concerns, share memories and ask questions. Designed for flexibility – members can attend or not, as they need.

Mending Hearts Grief Support Group

Any Type of Loss—10-Week Closed Group—Registration Required
In the safety of a group and in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding, members talk about their feelings and concerns. As they share their experiences, members help each other work through their feelings and come to terms with the new realities of life. Mending Hearts is a community service of HopeWest. Anyone can attend this group free of charge.

Men’s Support Group

For Men Who Are Grieving—Offered Monthly—Open Group
This group is aimed at providing a place for men to come and share their unique experiences and reactions to loss with other men. Group members will have the opportunity to open up about their experiences with loss, how society expects men to grieve, and gain new coping skills that will better serve them in their grief.

Caregiver Connections

For Individuals Providing Care to a Loved One on Hospice Care—Open Group
Caregiver Connections provides a safe space to share your experience with other caregivers. It will provide: support, strength identification, and validation during the difficult role of caregiving. Respite volunteers are available to help you attend this group. Talk to your HopeWest social worker for more information.

Spousal & Partner Loss Support Group

Offered 2x a Month—Open Group
In this group, those who have lost a spouse will share their grieving experience and gain the tools to help in their grief journey.

Art for the Grieving Heart

Any Type of Loss—6 Week Closed Group—Registration Required
In the company of others who understand the profound impact of loss, participants share their artistic creations, fostering a sense of connection and empathy. The group dynamic provides a supportive community where individuals can gain insights into their grief, find solace in shared experiences, and discover new coping mechanisms. Explore your emotions through art in a supportive space. No experience needed—just bring an open heart. Join us for a healing journey of self-discovery and connection. Together, we navigate grief through the transformative power of creativity.

Forget-Me-Not Family Group

6 Week Closed Group—Registration Required
Click Here to Register Online >>
A six week grief support group that children and family members attend together. The group, open to all ages, provides a safe and caring place to explore grief and its impact on the family. Children and teens will work in age-specific groups, and parents will have a separate group, allowing participants to connect with peers facing similar experiences. Dinner will be provided each week.

Wave of Light Ceremony

Honor Your Angel Baby on National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day—Oct. 15
Join us for a meaningful evening. The Wave of Light Ceremony will take place in the HopeWest Angel Garden. Candles will be provided, but you are welcome to bring a special candle of your own to light during the ceremony. The event will also feature a Memorial Wall where you can place photos, memories, or a personal message in remembrance. Snacks, refreshments, crafts, and information will be available throughout the evening. This event is free to attend. While registration is encouraged, it is not required.

Angel Babies Support Group

Loss of Baby During Pregnancy or Shortly Thereafter
Angel Babies Support Group is currently on hold. 

Angel Babies is a grief support group for parents and family members who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy or shortly thereafter. A professional counselor and group of volunteers will provide an atmosphere where each member of the group can feel comfortable sharing their experience or quietly listen and learn from others.

Handling the Holidays

Open to the Community—Offered 2x a Year
The holidays can be a difficult time of year when grieving the death of a loved one. Handling the Holidays is open for anyone in our community grieving a loved one during the Holidays. We will come together and provide materials for those grieving to help them through this process while supporting one another during the holiday season. This program is open to all adults in our community who are grieving the death of a loved one.

Rio Blanco County

For more information on Meeker groups, please call 970-878-9383 or email AdultBereavement@HopeWestCO.org.

Individual & Family Counseling

Counseling sessions are available to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one or are connected to someone with a serious illness. Many of these services are free. Others are offered at a nominal fee on a sliding scale basis or are covered by insurance. Services are offered based on client preference via Zoom or in-person.

Handling the Holidays

Open to the Community—Offered 1x a Year
The holidays can be a difficult time of year when grieving the death of a loved one. Handling the Holidays is open for anyone in our community grieving a loved one during the Holidays. We will come together and provide materials for those grieving to help them through this process while supporting one another during the holiday season. This program is open to all adults in our community who are grieving the death of a loved one.

 

Montrose & Ouray Counties

For more information on Montrose & Ouray County groups, please call 970-257-2390 or email AdultBereavement@HopeWestCO.org.

Individual & Family Counseling

Counseling sessions are available to anyone who has had a loved one served by HopeWest. Services are offered based on client preference, via Zoom or in-person.

Mending Hearts Grief Support Group

Any Type of Loss—10-Week Closed Group—Registration Required
In the safety of a group and in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding, members talk about their feelings and concerns. As they share their experiences, members help each other work through their feelings and come to terms with the new realities of life. Mending Hearts is a community service of HopeWest. Anyone can attend this group free of charge.

Art for the Grieving Heart

Any Type of Loss—6 Week Closed Group—Registration Required
In the company of others who understand the profound impact of loss, participants share their artistic creations, fostering a sense of connection and empathy. The group dynamic provides a supportive community where individuals can gain insights into their grief, find solace in shared experiences, and discover new coping mechanisms. Explore your emotions through art in a supportive space. No experience needed—just bring an open heart. Join us for a healing journey of self-discovery and connection. Together, we navigate grief through the transformative power of creativity.

Compassionate Hearts Group

Suicide Loss—Offered Monthly—Open Group
Compassionate Hearts is a monthly grief support group for those who have had a loved one die by suicide. This group is open to individuals, families, teens, and children. Although each person’s grief is unique, those coping with the death of a loved one share a common bond. Each support group begins with grief education and is followed by a small group discussion.

Handling the Holidays

Open to the Community—Offered 2x a Year
The holidays can be a difficult time of year when grieving the death of a loved one. Handling the Holidays is open for anyone in our community grieving a loved one during the Holidays. We will come together and provide materials for those grieving to help them through this process while supporting one another during the holiday season. This program is open to all adults in our community who are grieving the death of a loved one.

Meet the HopeWest Grief Support Team

Our therapists are masters-level prepared and have long-term experience in the field of illness and grief support. They have special training and expertise in grief and loss, holding certifications in art therapy, equine therapy, and EMDR⁠—a method designed to alleviate distress associated with trauma.

Amber Moyo, LPC-MHSP-S (TN), LPC (CO), Director of Bereavement

About Amber

Amber Moyo, LPC-MHSP-S (TN), LPC (CO) is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Supervisor with specialized training in trauma-focused therapy and EMDR. She earned her master’s degree in Counseling from East Tennessee State University and has extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and program leadership, including owning her own practice and serving as Clinic Director of an outpatient clinic.

In addition to her clinical work, Amber is an author and podcast host, where she helps fellow mental health professionals build sustainable, values-driven practices. Guided by empathy and authenticity, Amber helps individuals and families find meaning and resilience through life’s most difficult seasons.

Diane, LCSW, Grand Junction Social Worker

About Diane

Diane received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Queens College in 1979, New York City. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work in 1987 from Adelphi University, New York. Diane has served communities in several different capacities, including working at schools, providing support to youth and families for the City of Lakewood, training interns, running groups for seniors, and providing counseling for individuals and couples. She has specialized training in Solution Focused Brief Therapy Model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems and Marriage and Family therapy, and received training from the Ackerman Institute.  Diane started her employment at HopeWest in 2012 as a team Social Worker working out in the field and transferred to the Center for Hope and Healing in 2023 as a Bereavement Counselor.

Bethany, LPC, ATR, Montrose Bereavement Coordinator

About Bethany

Bethany, LPC, ATR, completed her MA in Art Therapy in 2020 from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Indiana and received a BA in Psychology in 2012 from Antioch University Washington. She has a background in attachment theory, expressive arts and therapeutic lens of transpersonal psychology that assist her in helping clients heal during their grief journey. Her journey with HopeWest began in 2018 as an intern and she joined us as an Art Therapist in 2020.

Photo of Naomi

Naomi, LCSW, Delta Counselor

About Naomi

Naomi, LCSW, received her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014, and received her Bachelor in Science in Human Development and Bachelor in Science in Sociology from Virginia Tech in 2012. Naomi has been in the social work field for 13 years and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2018. Naomi has extensive experience in both clinical and medical social work, having provided care and treatment in school-based, community mental health, long term care, in-home, and primary care settings across the Western Slope.

Kevin, Chaplain

About Kevin

Chaplain Kevin Watt completed clinical pastoral education through the Rocky Mountain Center for Spiritual Caregivers.  Kevin facilitates support groups for those experiencing grief and has a background in spiritual counseling, Non-violent Communication, and meditation. He has worked for HopeWest since 2020.

Photo of Naomi

Adrianne, MA, NCC, Grand Junction Counselor

About Adrianne

Adrianne is a Registered Psychotherapist in Colorado and a Nationally Certified Counselor through the NBCC. She holds a Master’s in Community Counseling from Adams State University (2008), a BA in Sociology and Psychology from Colorado Mesa University (1999), and a coaching credential from The Mindfulness Coaching School (2022).

Since 1998, she has worked with children and adults, specializing in grief, trauma, attachment, life transitions, and personal growth.

Adrianne integrates Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, Mindfulness, Somatic Processing, and Existential Therapy integrated with a Humanistic approach. She works with compassion and curiosity to help clients connect with their inner wisdom and move toward meaningful change.

Jo, Center for Hope & Healing Administrative Assistant

About Jo

Jo began her HopeWest career in July 2004 as a Team Assistant. Since then, she has had roles in many areas of the organization including Receptionist at both Compass Drive and the Ferris Care Center, Administrative Assistant to the Education Department, Support Specialist in Program Informatics, and Administrative Assistant in the Business Office. Jo joined the Center for Hope & Healing as an Administrative Assistant in June of 2021. Her role includes answering phones including, as needed, the main phone line, scheduling counseling appointments, greeting clients, processing all paperwork, and running reports for the department.

Grief Support Resources

Grief’s Journey Newsletter

A Guide Through the Healing Process

When a loved one dies, families continue to need long-term care and support. Grief’s Journey is a 12-issue newsletter that combines general information about loss and grief with proven tips and coping strategies. We hope you will find this information helpful throughout your grieving process.

Grief’s Journey may ask you to challenge societal myths or time-honored expectations about grief as you integrate the grief into a healing place. Inside you will find suggestions and information that validate your feelings and normalize many of the reactions you may experience.

Recommended Reading for Those Experiencing Grief & Loss

Good Grief:
A Companion for Every Loss
by Granger E. Westberg

This book identifies ten stages of grief, recognizing that grief is complex and deeply personal. It offers valuable insights on the emotional and physical responses individuals may experience during the natural process of grief.

The Beginner’s Goodbye
by Anne Tyler

This is a story about a man whose wife unexpectedly dies. He feels as though he has been erased forever. Unexpectedly his wife begins to appear to him and helps him to live in the moment and to find some peace. Gradually he discovers there really may be a way for him to say goodbye.

A Grief Observed
by C. S. Lewis

This book is an honest reflection on the fundamental issues of life, death and faith in the midst of loss. It chronicles how a stalwart believer can lose all sense of meaning in the universe after a loss, and an inspirational tale of how it is possible to regain one’s bearings.