Grief Support

You are not alone. Coping with bereavement is not easy and requires personal understanding, care and support. The good news is there are resources available at Georgetown to help you through this most difficult of times.

Others have walked this path and can help you do it, too.  The Bereavement Support Group provides support and offers hope to people who have lost – or in the processing of losing — a loved one.  Grief is normal, and it is necessary for healing.

The purpose of the Bereavement Support Group is to offer survivors an opportunity to gather and to talk about their feelings, frustrations and fears in a group environment. These weekly one hour gatherings provide survivors a chance to express the range of conflicting emotions that we discover when we lose someone we love. For more information, please contact Anne Ridder at (202) 687-5706 or at riddera@georgetown.edu.   

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) also offers confidential counseling for faculty, staff and their family members free of charge to help you through these difficult times. FSAP is a private, safe place to talk about grief and loss issues, and to listen and support you when you need it most. All FSAP services are free to faculty, staff and their immediate family members. With a convenient location just outside main campus at 1300-A 36th Street, NW, FSAP can provide the support and service you seek.  And you can reach FSAP at (202) 687-2409 or at fsap@georgetown.edu.

MetLife also offers grief support. Simply call a dedicated 24/7 toll-free number, 1-855-609-9989, to speak with a licensed professional counselor experienced in helping people who have suffered a loss. They can help you:

  • Locate local funeral homes and identify monument vendors
  • Locate back-up care for children or older adults
  • Find specific types of support groups, e.g., children who have lost parents,  survivors of suicide, dealing with grief, etc.
  • Find storage facilities, estate sale planners and charities that pick up donations
  • Or provide information on important tasks such as notifying the Social Security Administration, banks and utilities.

Georgetown has people and resources ready and able to help you through the grief process.  Just remember, you are not alone.