You Don’t Have to Walk Alone: Grief Support in Lafayette and Acadiana

At Colligan Crematory & Funeral Services, we know that our work doesn't end when the service is over. For many, the true journey of healing begins in the quiet weeks and months that follow. Grief is a deeply personal experience, but it is not one you have to navigate in isolation.

Lafayette and the surrounding Acadiana parishes are home to several incredible organizations dedicated to bereavement care. Whether you are looking for a peer-led group, professional counseling, or specialized support for children, there is a place for you to find comfort.

Why Join a Grief Support Group?

Grief can bring a confusing whirlwind of emotions—sadness, anger, relief, and even physical exhaustion. Many people worry they "aren't grieving correctly," but in a support group, you quickly learn that your experience is normal.

Sharing your story with others who truly understand can:

• Normalize the Process: Realizing that others share your "unusual" thoughts or feelings can be a massive relief.
• Provide Healthy Coping Tools: Learn how others manage anniversaries, holidays, and the daily "waves" of grief.
• Create a Safe Space: Support groups offer a judgment-free zone where you can be as honest as you need to be.

Local Resources in Acadiana

We are fortunate to have several high-quality, often free resources right here in our community:

1. Hospice of Acadiana: Center for Loss & Transition

They offer some of the most comprehensive bereavement services in the state. Notably, their services are free and open to the entire community, regardless of whether your loved one was a hospice patient.

• Services: Individual counseling, support groups, and "Healing Through Art" workshops.
• Website: Hospice of Acadiana Bereavement Services

2. Healing House (For Children & Teens)

If a child or teenager in your life is struggling with loss, Healing House is a beautiful resource. They provide a safe, "home-like" environment where kids can express grief through play and peer interaction.

• Specialty: Support groups for ages 4–17 and their caregivers.
• Website: Healing House Acadiana

3. Jacob Crouch Suicide Prevention Services

The grief following a suicide or sudden traumatic loss often requires specialized care. This organization provides a safe space specifically for survivors of suicide loss.

• Website: Jacob Crouch Services / The Family Tree

4. GriefShare

Many local churches in Broussard, Lafayette, and Youngsville host GriefShare, a 13-week seminar and support group. It is a faith-based program that combines video seminars with group discussion.

• Find a Group: GriefShare.org - Search Lafayette, LA

Understanding Different Types of Loss

The path to healing often depends on the nature of the loss.

• Anticipatory Grief: When a death is expected (such as with a terminal illness), the grieving often starts before the passing. Groups can help you navigate this "long goodbye."
• Traumatic Loss: Losses due to overdose or sudden accidents often require a focus on processing the trauma before the healing from grief can fully begin.
• Loss of a Child: Organizations like Maddie’s Footprints or The RescYOU Group provide specialized emotional and financial support for families facing the unimaginable loss of a child.

We Are Here to Guide You

If you aren't sure which group is the right fit, or if you just need a recommendation for a local grief counselor, please reach out to us at Colligan Crematory & Funeral Services. We are deeply connected to the Acadiana community and are honored to help you find the support you need.

Contact Us for Guidance at (337) 993-0205