Hospice of Davidson County: Ongoing grief support and Creative Counseling Groups

Grief doesn’t come with a manual. It’s personal, powerful, and often unpredictable. At Hospice of Davidson County, support for those navigating loss takes on many shapes, including creative expression and community connection—all offered for free and open to the public.

“Grief & Bereavement counseling and support groups are slightly different from traditional counseling, in that grief itself is often a natural reaction to a loss; natural, and deeply painful,” said Emily Sullivan, MA, LCMHC, Bereavement Coordinator at Hospice of Davidson County.

Throughout the summer, Hospice of Davidson County is offering several opportunities for community members to explore grief in safe, supportive ways. The Monthly Grief Support Group is scheduled to meet from 2 to 3 p.m. on June 4, July 2, and August 6, providing a space for peer connection and shared experience. These groups take place on the first Wednesday of each month and are open to anyone experiencing loss.

“Just as grief support looks different, successful and positive outcomes from grief counseling can vary greatly as well,” Sullivan explained. “Sometimes successful outcomes for clients look like being able to talk about their loved one without breaking down into tears, or other times, letting go of long-held pain, or even expressing something important that was left unsaid.”

Hospice is also offering a Creative Counseling Group, held from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 12, July 10, and August 14. Each month features a new theme and creative activity designed to help individuals process grief in a hands-on way. June’s session will involve a “Pickup Truck” canvas painting project to honor father figures. July’s gathering will focus on sharing summer memories through a “String Lights” painting theme. In August, participants will explore meaningful words and messages through calligraphy and word art.

“At Hospice of Davidson County’s Creative Counseling Groups, we offer a supportive discussion on coping with grief; we utilize painting, drawing, crafting and other activities to provide a creative way to process emotions as well as honor loved ones and our individual loss experiences,” said Sullivan.

Creative expression plays a key role in the healing process, and Sullivan emphasizes its impact. “Creative activities such as drawing, painting and other visual arts can provide therapeutic calming effects and avenues for unique self-expression,” she said. “Being in nature, even for a short time, has been clinically proven to provide positive outcomes for emotional health.”

For families with younger children, the organization is offering a Family Creative Grief Support Group on July 24 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This special session is designed for children ages 5 to 12 and their caregivers. Activities will include mini-canvas painting and memory rock decorating, giving families a chance to process their grief together through art and conversation.

All events are free of charge, and light refreshments along with art supplies will be provided. Events are held on the campus of Hospice of Davidson County and are open to the community.

For more information or to register, community members are encouraged to contact Hospice of Davidson County directly.