Grief Circles
Groups last 5 weeks and begin anew, ongoing
Grieving in Community
Grief comes in numerous forms and spans a wide range of emotions. It may even change rapidly, going from feeling overwhelming one day, to lighter the next. Grief can also resonate from ancestral, environmental, societal, and familial sources.
Despite the fact that grief is a normal and continual part of life, many of us do not have adequate opportunities to express and tend to it. We may feel alone in our grief, not wanting others to misunderstand, or be burdened by it. But grief was originally meant to be communal and, very often, is an expression of deep love.
For many, processing grief in small groups with others who are grieving can be profoundly healing. Under the mentorship of renowned grief expert and psychotherapist Francis Weller, I have created a 5-week grief circle that is intended to be both cathartic and educational. Over the course of 5 weekly 75-minute group sessions and one 60-minute individual session, various methods of grief-tending are delved into. These include alchemy, ritual, storytelling, relational care, vesseling, and creativity.
These grief circles are designed to be a sanctuary where you can honor, validate and bring compassion to your grief and the grief of others. Each week you will be given space to grieve in the present, and also be equipped with the tools and knowledge to healthily express your grief in the future.
Work With Me
For a further glimpse into what to expect, please see the testimonials below.
To learn more or to sign up for a grief circle, please email me at sas@lorisase.com
If you’d prefer to work through your grief individually, I also offer one-on-one sessions. You can find out more about grief tending for individuals [here].
Grief Circle Testimonials
It’s impossible to articulate really special experiences in words, and this 5 Week Grief Circle is one of those times. It profoundly touched me. Grief is just so heavy, and carrying it around for too long can break you down with the weight of it. Sas created the most beautiful container for the four of us that shared this time together. She provided a safe space for us to release some of the most deepest emotions. I attended because I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a little over three years ago and I’m dealing with grief every single day. Grieving my old life, grieving my old energy and the losses that have come along with chronic illness / pain, and the grief on the horizon of what symptoms might come with a disease that has no cure. I am also grieving the loss of my dear doggy of 15 years who was one of my soulmates. There was also the loss of my beloved grandmother, accompanied by a lot of family, trauma and strain. So with all this to say, I always entered these circles feeling heavy, but left feeling so much lighter, and so much gratitude, and just felt really really good! So cathartic!
Her care for each one of us was felt, and she made us feel seen. And it was so validating to share your deepest grief with others who are also in that place as well. You can share all the ugly with no judgement. There is an instant connection and bond that we built with each other because of that… I shared things with this group that I don’t even know that I’ve ever said out loud, but I desperately needed to. She gave us tools and guided practices to help us start to process and heal.
I am forever grateful to Sas and the others in this group. It really was a sacred space. Sas is one of the most compassionate, soulful, insightful, intuitive, loving people I’ve come in connection with, and she has such a gift and a special way about her that is so beautiful. Her energy is just so naturally healing. She’s an “angel on earth.”
For anyone going through any type of grief, I would highly encourage and recommend this experience.
Kimmy Brooks
I’m so grateful for Sase and her Grief Circle Group. From our very first meeting, the space felt safe, warm, and filled with a genuine care. Sase brought together a remarkable group of women whose honesty, vulnerability and strength created a powerful sense of connection and compassion.
In that space, I was able to uncover layers of grief I didn’t realize I was carrying. With Sase’s guidance, I’ve learned how to honor my grief, care for it, and begin releasing what no longer serves me.
The insight, healing, and sense of deep community I experienced in the group will stay with me for a long time. ❤️🙏🏻 It’s just beautiful, and Sase is the best!! I’m so thankful!!
Leslie Page – Vocalist, Songwriter, Vocal Coach/Mentor, Vocal Producer
I can’t even put into words the impact Sas’ Grief Circle had on me. In just 5 sessions, I processed so many emotions related to years of grief and loss.There is something about a group experience that reaches a different level than an individual session does. Not to discount the impact of individual grief work, because it is equally important. However this experience was one that touched me so deeply and profoundly, it catapulted me into a healing space that I didn’t think was possible. Sas’ process and her overall being is so nurturing, so containing, and so safe. I highly recommend her Grief Circle for anyone dealing with loss.
Kami Moody
It’s a challenge to sum up something so life-changing in a singular statement. I have been blessed to know Sas for many years before this, which is why I was so open to sharing my heart with potential strangers. Sas is a wise, gentle soul. I knew she would make any space safe and welcoming, and as usual it exceeded expectations. These groups, exercises, and experiences are so necessary in the world we live in. We get so caught up in the daily struggle we don’t outwardly acknowledge the stress, fear, and anger we are harboring and swallowing just to make it through the day. But our body knows it, our mind compartmentalizes it, it lives rent free in our subconscious and bleeds out into everything we do. Putting words to these fears and frustrations is so cathartic. It’s validating, it’s freedom, and it’s a bond you never thought you could have with strangers, because these are conversations you would not be able to have without such a medium. Sitting here now I feel nothing short of gratitude, love, and appreciation for Sas and the other woman from my group. The wisdom you imparted I am able to translate and share with my family, as we all struggle to reach higher in this life. THANK YOU!
Brittany Parker; US Army E5, 68W, 35F
I really appreciate the grief circle, because it gives me a safe and supportive space to process my losses in a world that wants me to rush through my grief. Sas is very caring and gentle and is great in creating a circle that empowers us to share our vulnerabilities and feelings without fear of judgment or invalidation. The circle provides me a sense of belonging and connection and helps me feel heard, understood, supported and less alone in my grief. I also appreciate the rituals that allow us to channel and honor our grief, and It was very comforting that my grief was held with warmth, compassion and care. I experienced catharsis and healing through this precious circle and also learned to be kind, tender and patient to my grief. Thank you so much, Sas!
Wai C.
I had the pleasure of working with Sas. She created a safe space for me to talk about very difficult trauma. She was exactly what I needed and I am eternally grateful for her help. I highly suggest her help, she is amazing.
C. Burger – Paralegal
My Introduction to Lori Sase whom is known affectionately as SAS was when she taught Math at Santa Monica High School where I was fortunate enough to have her as a teacher. Finding out that SAS was going to be leading grief groups I Knew I had to show interest in joining and I’m pleased I did.
Each week no matter what was happening in my life I showed up and connected with SAS and the other young woman in the group and left feeling more loved than when I begun.
SAS is one of Few People who could get me in a group like this outwardly sharing my feelings.
Thank you for having the ability to bring others together.
Sabrina – Behavior Aide
Details
Grief circles meet for 5 consecutive weeks, on a pre-determined day and time. Sessions are 75 minutes each. This also includes one 60 minute one-on-one session.
Pricing is on a sliding scale, with each client choosing to pay between $250 and $500 in total, depending on what is affordable for them. This includes the one-on-one session (which is normally $165).
