Tending Sorrow - Andersonville Mindfulness & Psychology

$280 | 7-week group | Meeting virtually | Returning March 2026

Group facilitated by Kelsey Hoeper

Tending Sorrow will serve as a supportive processing space to approach grief as a companion.

We will all know grief intimately. It is an ongoing journey that is not meant to be made “right” or fixed. Despite what our society has taught us directly and indirectly, grief need not be pushed to the side or made private or journeyed alone. Our engagement with grief and sorrow during our time together will include writing, embodiment practices, poetry, art-making and music.

This group aims to provide you with something outside of the “mainstream” conversation on grief, honoring the work and voices of fellow grief tenders, writers and soul activists. All in-session practices and exercises are always invitational. If art practices and/or grief rituals call for any materials, advanced notice will be given.

By joining the group:

You will tend to grief with compassion and reverence, undertaking “grief work” as an apprenticeship with sorrow (a term coined by Francis Weller, whose work will largely inform the content of this group)
Expand the concept of grief and what is/can be grieved (e.g. physical loss, climate change, the love we wanted but didn’t receive, etc.)
You will acquire more skills to navigate the terrain of loss
Achieve a felt sense of community

Fees and Registration:

Cost is $280* for the 7-week group; several reduced fee spots are available. Completion of an intake appointment is required for all new clients, and the maximum out-of-pocket cost for the required intake is $40. This group may be billable to your BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO or Cigna PPO insurance plan.

Maximum of 10 participants, and group runs with 5 or more participants. Group participants musts be 18+, and must reside in Illinois to participate. Group commitment is 7-weeks, and all sessions are planned for 90-minutes. Group facilitated by Kelsey Hoeper, LPC, NCC.

Enrollment is now open for the March 2026 group. If you have questions or are interested in registering for this group – please contact Kelsey directly via email: khoeper@andersonville.com

Considerations and Accommodations:

This group is held virtually for 7-weeks. A video link to access your group appointments will be sent in confirmation of your registration. Your commitment is to attending and participating in all 7-weeks of the group; this is a closed group. Andersonville Mindfulness & Psychology is a LGBTQ+ affirming practice and encourages those who identify as part of the queer community to join this supportive grief processing group.

Previous Tending Sorrow participants expressed their appreciation for having a space to be among others who are also navigating the waters of grief. In addition, participants have found value in exploring the many ways grief makes itself known in our lives, expanding our capacity for collective grief and the need for witnessing, reflection, and remembering.