At Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, you will find people who listen. We understand that when a person dies, the journey for their loved ones is just beginning. Just as our care team was available to support you and your loved one during the final days of his or her life, our grief counselors are available to support you during this time of bereavement.
Our licensed social workers and volunteers provide Northeast Georgia’s most comprehensive grief support services for individuals, families and community groups. We offer FREE grief support services for adults, as well as children and teens.
What is Grief?
Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. The more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be.
Grieving is a highly individual experience; there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. How you grieve depends on many factors, including your personality and coping style, your life experience, your faith, and how significant the loss was to you. Inevitably, the grieving process takes time. Healing happens gradually; it can’t be forced or hurried—and there is no “normal” timetable for grieving. Some people start to feel better in weeks or months. For others, the grieving process is measured in years. Whatever your grief experience, it’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold.
Symptoms of Grief
Emotional Symptoms
- Shock & Disbelief
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Anger
- Fear
- Relief
- And More
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Lowered Immunity
- Weight Loss / Gain
- Aches & Pains
- Insomnia
How We Can Help
Our Grief Support Team offers services to the families that we have served as well as the larger community. We will be by your side following the loss of a loved one to help provide grief support.
Grief counselors help by:
- Accepting your grief for what it is, a normal response to your loss
- Listening to you, even if you want to talk about the same things over and over
- Learning about your loved one
- Helping you to let go of the pain without letting go of the person
- Providing specific information about grief and loss
- Offering suggestions on how to deal with grief that have helped other people
Adult Support Groups

Learn about healthy grieving, ways to cope, and share memories of your loved one in a supportive environment. All groups are FREE to the public, but require registration, unless noted otherwise. For more information contact Jennifer Sorrells, LCSW, at 770-219-8888 or at griefsupport.hospice@nghs.com. Visit the Hospice Events page to register.
Grief 101
A one-time education session for those who have experienced a recent loss or for friends and family members of grieving persons. Grief 101 provides information on what is “normal” and ways to help yourself (or your loved ones) cope.
General Support Groups
Open to anyone who has experienced a close, personal loss of a friend or loved one. Groups meet weekly for six weeks and are facilitated by a licensed social worker. New groups form each month. Call for dates and times.
Special Topic Groups
We periodically offers special groups that approach grief and mourning in non-traditional ways – from walking to journaling to scrap-booking. Call for information.
Special Programs & Events
Remembrance Service
Each spring, family and friends join our hospice team to honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
Hope Through the Holidays
A community event for all people who have experienced loss. This seminar provides an opportunity to learn, discuss and share coping skills for navigating the difficult holiday season.
770-219-8888 or 1-888-572-3900
Hospice License # 069-160H