(818) 788-HOPE (4673)
Grief Support Groups Serving West Los Angeles, Encino and Agoura Hills

Wellness

“Broken Heart” Is Not Just A Metaphor

In HOPE Connection support groups it’s almost a given that someone will talk about being heartbroken because it’s such an accurate description following the death of your spouse or partner. Most people, of course, would say that it’s a metaphorical term — your heart is not literally broken.

Smaller Footprints

“The belongings she has collected during her lifetime are her footprints left behind.”

The thought of going through your loved one’s possessions, acquired over the course of their lifetime, can be daunting and emotionally overwhelming. The thought of letting go of these acquired belongings may feel like you are erasing their footprints. How does one stay connected, while also letting go?

A Moment’s Peace — Through Laughter Yoga

Using humor as a tool to cope with grief is closely associated with another movement: laughter yoga. A medical doctor from India, Dr. Madan Kataria, developed the practice of laugher yoga and it has spread across 100 countries. Adherents say that the scientifically proven benefits range from reducing blood pressure to strengthening the immune system. You can learn all about the techniques at the Laughter Yoga University.

“The Times They Are A Changin”

By Evelyn Pechter, Psy.D.

Bob Dylan was right — there are all kinds of changes that come. Layers upon layers of change.  Among those layers are welcome changes: for example, a new baby in the family, a new son or daughter-in-law. These changes can allow for a smile and fond memories. Then there are changes that are not so welcome. The ones that cause great pain and grief — the primary losses: the death of a spouse, or a parent or anyone, near or far. Then there are secondary losses: the lack of physically getting together with friends and family, the change of everyday routines, such as going to the market, and feeling fearful if someone gets closer than six feet, and a list that grows. 

Meditation & Healing

Meditation is a valuable practice that can help people in the process of grieving for a loved one. If you’re not familiar with meditation, “How To Meditate FAQ” by Tara Brach is an introductory guide that will help you become familiar with the principles of meditation. Tara’s teachings blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to our inner life, and a…

Reiki Healing For Grief & Loss

Stella Davies became interested in healing from an early age, earning a Post-Graduate Expressive Arts Therapy (Drama) diploma at 22. In 2005 she discovered Reiki, trained as a teacher in 2011 and then as a Usui/Holy Fire Reiki Master in 2014. Contact Stella at Info@StellaDavies.com. Losing a loved one is one of the most traumatic life events we can experience. The loss reverberates through our being on…

Regaining Your Balance As You Grieve

How the fundamental concepts behind acupuncture can help you heal Vivian Sobel, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist who uses traditional Chinese diagnostic techniques including acupuncture, herbs, nutrition and micro current.  Micro current is a painless needle free modality that quickly reduces inflammation and helps heal musculoskeletal pain and injury. She can be contacted through VivianSobel.com. If you’re grieving, regaining your balance may help you…

Why I Created Grief Yoga

Paul Denniston is a yoga teacher who has combined the ancient art of yoga in a new way to heal grief. Paul has studied under yoga masters Seane Corn and Gurmukh, and also studied extensively with grief expert David Kessler. He is certified in Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Kundalini Yoga, Laughter Yoga. Paul has taught Grief Yoga to therapists in the United…

Clean Eating

Avoid Foods that are Processed, Preserved, Refined, and Sodium Heavy When you eat lots of processed, preserved and refined foods loaded with sugar such as store bought cookies, cakes and candy, salty foods like potato chips and pretzels, packaged foods with lists of chemicals you can barely pronounce and drink soft drinks and liquor in excess, how do you usually feel afterwards?…