Center for Grief and Healing
Carilion’s Center for Grief and Healing utilizes a holistic approach to offer effective, supportive and therapeutic services to individuals, families and communities affected by grief and loss.
About
I Don’t Know Where to Begin: The Grief Experience
We often have expectations and assumptions for how are “supposed to” deal with loss and grief. However, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to experience grief, and our individual experiences can be affected by many factors. In general, normal grief reactions include many of the following:
- A sense of shock, feeling numb, disbelief, or a sense of surrealness or feeling lost and out of place
- A range of emotions that may include sadness, guilt, shame, regret and anger
- Recurring worry and difficulty escaping negative thoughts, dreams and questions such as ‘why?’ or ‘how did this happen?’
- Physical effects, such as difficulty sleeping, feeling really unsettled, having difficulty getting started or feeling overwhelmed by day to day demands
How long and how intensely these different reactions will last for each individual person tends to vary. Our mission is to support those experiencing grief in a way that promotes healing and resilience through loss.
Our Philosophy: Healing is a Journey
After a loss, our goal is not necessarily a return to previous functioning or the complete alleviation of symptoms and reactions to grief. It is important to understand that with loss we cannot go back; instead, our mission is to help those experiencing grief tap into the wellspring that is our individual and collective humanity in order to deeply connect with oneself and personal values, to others; and to achieve a broader sense of meaning. This journey is the process and nature of healing. At times the journey can be painful, it can make us ask questions about meaning and purpose, and it can make us wonder how we might ever recover. Through healing, any work we do is gained forever, benefiting us and all those with whom we interact. If we do it right, the healing process is a lifelong journey and will be uniquely beautiful to each one of us.
Therapeutic and Support Services
Groups for Grieving a Death Loss
Grief following the death of a loved one can leave us feeling alone, isolated and unsure of how to begin a journey toward healing.
The Center for Grief and Healing offers a range of support groups in coordination with multiple services throughout Carilion Clinic. Support groups are intended to provide a shared and safe place where those impacted by grief and loss can pursue their journey of healing and connect with others who have experienced a similar loss.
To learn about or sign up for support groups and events specific to grief and loss, click on the following support groups.
| Class | Class Description | Date/Time | Location (provided after registration) | Registration (required) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Child Loss Support | Lean on others after experiencing the death of an adult child (age 18+). | Starting Feb. 5, 2026, every 1st and 3rd Thurs., 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Roanoke | Call 540-527-4868. Meet in-person. |
| Grief 101 | Understanding your grief through grief therapy. 8-week class. Billable to insurance. | Every Tues., Oct. 28 - Dec. 16. | Roanoke | Registration is required. Call 540-527-4868. Meet in-person. |
| Homicide Loss Survivor Support | Lean on others after experiencing the death of loved one by homicide. | TBA | Roanoke | Call 540-527-4868. Meet in-person. |
| Parental Loss Support | Support for adults who have experienced the loss of their parent or caregiver. | 2nd and 4th Thurs. per month, 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Roanoke | Call 540-527-4868. Meet in-person. |
| Perinatal Infant Loss Support | Monthly perinatal/infant loss support for women who have experienced a pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or loss of an infant up to one year of age. | Temporarily on hold. | Roanoke | See Events Calendar or call 800-422-8482. |
| Sibling Loss Support | Join discussion with others who have experienced the death of a sibling. | Every 1st Mon., 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Roanoke | Call 540-527-4868. Meet in-person. |
| Soul Survivors (Teens) | Grief support is available for teens (grades 9 - 12) who have experienced a death. | Each Tues., Jan. 20 - Feb. 24, 5:30-7 p.m. | Roanoke | Registration is required. Call 540-527-4868. Meet in-person. |
| Spouse, Partner or Significant Other Support | Lean on others after experiencing the death of your spouse, partner or significant other. | Every 2nd and 4th Mon., 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Roanoke | Call 540-527-4868. Meet in-person. Evening class includes a virtual option. |
| Suicide Survivors Support Group | Grief support is available for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. | Every Fri., Oct. 17 - Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. - noon | Roanoke | Registration is required. Call 540-527-4868. Meet in-person. |
Support for Other Loss
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If you have questions, call 540-527-4868. Virtual connections are available for many therapeutic and support groups.
Therapy Services
As part of Carilion’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, the Center for Grief and Healing offers focused, person-centered and evidence-based therapy for those experiencing prolonged grief or trauma-related loss that affects day-to-day function. Services include a range of individual therapy and group therapy for adults, teens and children. These services are most appropriate for those experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress or significant chronic distress related to loss. Services are designed to initiate recovery and healing so that individuals and families can participate in life in a more meaningful way.
Carilion therapy services are scheduled with a psychologist or therapist. To access therapy services, please request a formal referral through your primary care physician, pediatrician or other clinician. Having a formal referral helps to ensure approval for services through health insurance. You may also contact the Department of Behavioral Health and Medicine for additional information about requirements for sending a referral. Call 540-527-4868.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you must wear a mask throughout any in-person attendance. Virtual connections are available for many therapeutic and support groups.
What is Evidence-Based Therapy?
Evidence-based therapy encourages active participation and engagement in activities designed to help process loss and begin to heal. At times, processing loss can be painful, but these activities have consistently proven to help reduce depression, anxiety, distress and other effects associated with grief. One type of evidence-based therapy called trauma-informed grief therapy can also restore resilience, which may reduce grief reactions. Your care team will talk with you about what type of therapy or support service will work best for you.
Learn more about Carilion’s financial assistance opportunities.
Resources
To learn about or sign up for support groups and events specific to grief and loss, call 540-527-4868. Virtual connections are available for many therapeutic and support groups.
Death Loss
Resources for Children and Teens
Non-Death Loss
CarilionClinic.org contains grief-related publications and links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties. Such external links are not monitored or endorsed by Carilion Clinic. You agree that use of this information is at your own risk and hold Carilion Clinic harmless from all claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
It has been years since my loss. Why don't I feel better?
Grief a normal response after traumatic events such as the loss of a loved one, social changes including divorce or a job loss, or any drastic change to daily routines. And the grief process does not always unfold in orderly, predictable stages. For many, recovery after a loss can take up 24-months while others may experience a shorter grieving process. It is important to understand your own grief and seek help along your journey to heal.
I feel I'll never get over the death of my [spouse, child, sibling, friend]. How do I move forward?
Everyone copes with loss differently so give yourself time, space and permission to grieve. Be sure to practice self-care through diet, sleep, exercise and open communication. Consider joining Carilion’s grief support services to share your experience with others who have had similar experiences.
Can I just drop into any meeting?
We welcome your interest in the Center for Grief and Healing. In order to understand the best fit for your support needs, you must call to sign up for participation. Whether individual counseling or group support, we’ll match you with options to help you in your healing process.
Is there a charge for groups?
There is currently no charge to participate in group support. We invite attendants to make voluntary donations to the Carilion Clinic Foundation if you are in the position to do so.
Who facilitates the support groups?
Each group is led by Carilion Clinic licensed psychiatrists, counselors or clinical social workers. In addition, we can individually connect you with a member of our team for any customized need for care.
How do I know if a group will be right for me?
When you contact us for registration, our team of experts will match you with the best options based on your specific situation. Each group leader will let you know about any upcoming guest speakers to introduce healing arts through a journaling project, hands-on art and music programs, forgiveness therapy and nutrition for the soul. You are also welcomed to try several groups after completing your first class.
To learn about or sign up for support groups and events specific to grief and loss, call 540-527-4868. Virtual connections are available for many therapeutic and support groups.
Giving Back
Volunteer
Interested in assisting with a support group? The Center for Grief and Healing support groups are led by certified clinicians and specialists. Consider volunteering to assist them with a support group of interest. Once registered, meet with our team to receive training and get answers to your questions.
Carilion Clinic Foundation
The Center for Grief and Healing in-part relies on active support and contributions from the community, which increases our ability to offer grief support services and programming throughout the Roanoke area, the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia.
If you are interested in directly supporting the Center for Grief and Healing through a gift or donation, please visit the Carilion Clinic Foundation webpage. To contribute specifically to the Center for Grief and Healing select “Other” under the “Designation” tab and enter “Grief and Healing” in the text box. We appreciate your support.
Upcoming Events
Events Calendar
Browse our events and choose the best for you!
The Burden Boat
The Burden Boat is an interactive work of art designed to help people release their burdens. The sculpture is on display in the atrium area of the lobby at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and the public is invited to write down their burdens and place them in the boat.
Look for upcoming events in 2025.
Grief Education Workshops
Coming in January 2026 -- join us for 2-hour grief education workshops; no charge. Registration information will be provided soon. Topics include:
- Family conflict after death
- Dating again after the death of your partner, significant other or spouse
- Death by addiction
- Sibling/cousin loss
Camp Treehouse
Camp Treehouse is a free day-camp for children and teens, grades K-8, that have lost a loved one. The camp provides a caring, safe environment where youth can explore their feelings and concerns.
May 1-2, 2026
The location will be confirmed once registered. To learn more or to register, visit online.
Forget-Me-Not Walk To Remember
Carilion Clinic’s Forget-Me-Not program provides support to individuals and families who have experienced a loss through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or death of a newborn or child up to one year of age. We believe that grief is not about “getting over” a loss or forgetting that it happened. Instead, it’s about remembering—acknowledging the loss and cherishing the memories.
Join us Sunday, October 5, 2025, 3-5p.m., at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center. Additional details coming soon!
Our Team
To learn about or sign up for support groups and events specific to grief and loss, call 540-527-4868. Virtual connections are available for many therapeutic and support groups.
Interested in assisting with a support group? The Center for Grief and Healing support groups are led by certified clinicians and specialists. Consider volunteering to assist them with a support group of interest. Once registered, meet with our team to receive training and get answers to your questions.
