Why…?” is a free, 9-week support group designed for individuals who are facing the challenges of traumatic grief after a family member or friend has died by suicide. Loss after suicide is considered complicated grief, and as such, it can be more severe and longer-lasting.

This group not only provides a cathartic experience but an opportunity for individuals to connect with others in an intimate manner. A variety of techniques including guided mourning, mindfulness, and client-centered approach to self-awareness and empathy will be explored.

There are three groups offered virtually and in-person throughout the year.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to register for a “Why…?” group, individuals should be:

• Bereaved by suicide
  • Please note, due to the nature of traumatic grief, it is recommended that participants are a minimum of 8 weeks from their loss. 
• Living in Waterloo Region or Wellington County 
• A minimum of 20 years old. 

To Register

Intake and registration are completed by our Clinical Consultant. 

If you are interested in registering for this support group, kindly provide us with your contact information and preferences. You can do so by completing the contact form below, or by calling 519-884-0422 and pressing “4”. If you are asked to leave a message, please include your full name and contact information.

You can also visit Why Support After Suicide Loss to access the online registration form. 

Our registration process involves two steps.  First, our Clinical Consultant will contact you by phone to discuss the program in more detail and answer any questions you may have.  The second step involves a scheduled interview for intake with the group facilitators prior to the start of group.   

Our support groups are dependent on enrollment.  When the sufficient number of people are available, the group dates are then set.  Those who are on our wait list will be prioritized and informed of the start date approximately one month prior to the start of group.