Grief and Bereavement SERVICES
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We Are Here For You
If you are an adult (aged 18 years and over), who has experienced the death of a loved one due to illness and are a resident of Etobicoke, you are welcome to connect with us. No prior connection to the hospice is required. All our services are offered at no charge. Do join us.
Please complete this referral form we will be in touch with you.
Referral Form
Or call us at 416.626.0116 x 229
Grief Groups

Understanding grief
Every month, The Dorothy Ley Hospice bereavement staff hold an open grief education session for those who are newly bereaved. At this session we provide reassurance that grief is a normal and natural response to loss. We explore the various ways grief may show up for us physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and psychologically and provide some tips on how to cope. Register below:
Parent-loss grief support group
A supportive and safe space for adults who have lost a parent to explore their grief with others who have experienced the same type of loss. This is an 8 week closed group, held on Zoom. Facilitated by bereavement staff.We recommend attending “understanding grief” before attending this group. Held on Zoom3 times a year. Minimum of 8 people are required to run this group.

Spousal-loss grief support group
A supportive and safe space for adults who have lost a spouse to explore their grief with others who have experienced the same type of loss. 8 week closed group, held on Zoom. Facilitated by bereavement staff. We recommend attending “understanding grief” before attending this group. Held on Zoom 3 times a year. Minimum of 8 people are required to run this group.

Men’s coffee group
A space for bereaved men to connect and share experiences over coffee with other bereaved gentlemen. This is an informal coffee group is hosted by men, for men. Facilitated by trained bereavement volunteers. This group is intended for men who have completed other grief support groups or individual sessions. Held every second Tuesday.
Honouring Through Story Telling
In this 6-part series, led by volunteer peers, participants explore the memories they have of their loved ones through story telling, with emphasis on remembering our loved ones; introducing our loved ones to others. Joan Didion said, “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” This series explores ways to find unique and enduring connection; in the midst of embarking on a new and different life. Come honour your loved ones through sharing your story in a safe and supportive small group setting. Tears, laughter and anything in between, all welcome! It is designed for people who have already explored their grief journey through groups or individualized counseling with a Bereavement Counselor and are able to talk about their loved ones with gratitude. Held in-person at The Dorothy Ley Hospice.
Walking Through Grief
For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the Walking Through Grief group offers an opportunity to gather, move with mindfulness and connect with others on a similar journey. Each walk will include a moment of mediation and mindfulness. Walks are 45-60mins. Participants must be able to walk and stand for about 1 hour. An optional coffee break after the walk is available if interested. Walks are supported by trained hospice volunteers.
Coping with the Holidays (Nov/Dec offering)

Individual Grief Support

One-to-one grief companion volunteer
One-to-one companionship with a trained bereavement volunteer offers a safe and non-judgmental space for you to talk about your grief and loss with someone who understands.
One-to-one bereavement counselling
One-to-one bereavement counselling with specialist bereavement staff offers a safe space to express and explore your individual response to grief and loss and to learn effective coping strategies. Up to 8 sessions provided per person.

Spiritual care

- Individual Spiritual Care sessions for psycho-spiritual interventions and care, clarification of ethical issues, and exploring strengths and existing connections with self, others and meaningful aspects of life
- Support for loss and grief
- Opportunities for prayer, meditation and reflection
- Support for Life Review and other legacy projects
- Connection to local faith communities and clergy
- Facilitation of ritual and ceremony design and support
Self-Compassion Circle
Increase resilience by enhancing self-kindness, connection and mindfulness. Learn about the science of self-compassion and engage in mind-body techniques, self-reflection and wellness practices. Share experiences with fellow attendees. Open to caregivers and bereaved. For bereaved folks, we recommend attending grief support sessions before attending this group.
Minimum of 6 people are required to run this group. This offering is open to caregivers, bereaved, and individuals with a life-limiting illness. 7-week course, held online via Zoom. Some prerequisites apply for this program. Contact us to find out more.
Self-Compassion Circle Practice Group
A group for past participants of the Self-Compassion Circle that offers opportunity to practice the self-wellness practices, mind/body interventions and reflections introduced during the 7-week Self-Compassion Circle program. The group offers guided practice and an opportunity to connect with others actively engaging in self-compassion.
For more information about spiritual care offerings, please contact our Community Care Navigator
Wellness Therapies
Guided Meditation Recordings
- 6-minute meditation
- 11-minute Body scan meditation
- 30-minute meditation
Individual Wellness Services Offered
Therapeutic Touch® is a holistic wellness therapy that incorporates a consciously directed process using the practitioner’s hands
to facilitate wellness and to bring about balance and harmony to the recipient. Therapeutic Touch®, can promote a relaxation response, reducing anxiety and stress. It can help to manage pain, improve sleep and foster a general sense of well-being. The practitioner can use a light touch or no touch at all. The individual receiving Therapeutic Touch® remains fully clothed and can be seated or lying down in a comfortable position. Therapeutic Touch® can also be offered remotely.

Reiki: is a holistic wellness therapy that involves the laying on of hands directly on or just above the body by a certified Reiki practitioner. Universal energy is offered to the recipient to help elicit a relaxation response. People often experience feelings of peace and an improved sense of well-being after a Reiki treatment. The individual remains fully clothed and is usually lying down in a comfortable position. Reiki can also be offered remotely.
Aroma Touch: is a gentle touch to arms and hands and/or lower legs and feet. Very lightly scented essential oils or fragrant free oils are applied to help reduce stress and anxiety. The individual remains fully clothed and is usually seated or lying down in a comfortable position.
Art Kits: Art Kits provide therapeutic and mindful activities to help people calm their mind and thoughts. Each kit comes complete with the instructions and all supplies necessary to complete the mindful activity in the home. There are a variety of kits available including Kindness Rocks, Record Mandalas, Tibetan Prayer Flags and Word Marbles.

Group Wellness Services Offered
Yoga Classes: The yoga we offer focuses on relaxation and rest, and is inclusive of all abilities. Yoga offerings include: restorative yoga, yoga Nidra, and Pranayama breath work. Some offerings can be done from the comfort of your bed.
Meditation Groups: Guided meditations and body scans are offered to enhance relaxation, groundedness and clarity. Simple techniques involving body, breath and awareness are used to help reduce stress. Meditation is an individual process and everyone’s experiences will be unique.
For more information about Wellness Services, please contact our Wellness Coordinator
Wellness Day Program
pmurphy@dlhospice.org 416.626.0116 x 228

Wellness Therapies
Therapeutic Touch® is a holistic wellness therapy that incorporates a consciously directed process using the practitioner’s hands
to facilitate wellness and to bring about balance and harmony to the recipient. Therapeutic Touch®, can promote a relaxation response, reducing anxiety and stress. It can help to manage pain, improve sleep and foster a general sense of well-being. The practitioner can use a light touch or no touch at all. The individual receiving Therapeutic Touch® remains fully clothed and can be seated or lying down in a comfortable position. Therapeutic Touch® can also be offered remotely.

Reiki: is a holistic wellness therapy that involves the laying on of hands directly on or just above the body by a certified Reiki practitioner. Universal energy is offered to the recipient to help elicit a relaxation response. People often experience feelings of peace and an improved sense of well-being after a Reiki treatment. The individual remains fully clothed and is usually lying down in a comfortable position. Reiki can also be offered remotely.
Gentle Hand and Foot Massage: is a gentle massage to arms and hands and/or lower legs and feet. Very lightly scented essential oils or frgrance-free oils are applied with light pressure to help reduce stress and anxiety. The
individual remains fully clothed and is usually seated or lying down in a
comfortable position.
Acupuncture: is the insertion of fine needles into specific points along the energy pathway to restore the balance of vital energy. The effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief, nausea, anxiety and addiction is well recognized by medical professionals
Group Wellness Services Offered
Restorative Yoga: Recharge your mind, body and spirit. Restorative Yoga poses help us to learn how to relax, rest and relieve the effects of stress. This gentle yoga class offers a compassionate practice of self-care and fosters rejuvenation. All levels of experience are welcome.
Meditation Groups: Weekly guided meditations and Body Scans to enhance relaxation, groundedness and clarity. Simple techniques involving body, breath and awareness will be used to help reduce stress. Meditation is an individual process and everyone’s experiences will be unique. This group is targeted towards beginners but all levels are welcome.
Guided Meditation Recordings: If you are not able to make a group, Dorothy Ley Hospice Wellness volunteers have created Body Scan meditations that you can access at your own time.
Art Kits: Art Kits provide therapeutic and mindful activities to help people calm their mind and thoughts. Each kit comes complete with the instructions and all supplies necessary to complete the mindful activity in the home. There are a variety of kits available including Kindness Rocks, Record Mandalas, Tibetan Prayer Flags and Word Marbles.
For more information about Wellness Day Program, please contact our Wellness Coordinator
pmurphy@dlhospice.org 416.626.0116 x 228
