“Grief isn’t just about death — it’s about every life change that shakes us,” said Shea Darian, founder and director of Doing Grief, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people through life’s toughest transitions. “Healing grief is really the journey of a lifetime.”

Since January, Darian and Doing Grief Community Healing Project have been providing grief support — what they describe as “life support” — at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City. Their programs range from small group support to creative arts workshops, spiritual enrichment and community-building activities.

“Healing involves the whole person — mind, body, and spirit,” Darian said. “Grief isn’t just an emotion; it can affect us mentally, physically, and spiritually. That’s why we design programs that support people holistically.”

Darian will introduce Healing Circles noon Thursday, Sept. 11. These small groups offer an alternative to traditional grief support. Each circle gathers five to six participants monthly for a series of sessions.

“The circles are for those who want a confidential, deep listening experience,” Darian explains. “We don’t give advice or try to fix one another. We build trust, offer compassionate presence, and reflect the healing wisdom that emerges when people are truly seen and heard.”

Doing Grief programming goes beyond support groups. September offerings at Banner Olive Branch include Chair Yoga with instructor Heike Newman (Yoga with Oma) 10 a.m. the first and third Thursdays, and a rainstick-making workshop with Dr. Lydia Woods, CEO of Drum Arizona, noon Thursday, Sept. 25.

Spots are limited, so RSVPs are encouraged.

Darian never expected to be directing a nonprofit at a stage of life when many are planning retirement.

“As a spiritual care provider and hospital chaplain, I was shocked by the lack of truly healing resources for grievers — which really includes all of us,” she said. “I had to do something about it.”

Darian is the creator of the Model of Adaptive Grieving Dynamics and author of “Doing Grief in Real Life: A Soulful Guide to Navigate Loss, Death and Change.”

“Grieving in ways that can heal our suffering is a life skill anyone can learn,” Darian says. “And it’s always more fun and uplifting to learn in the company of others who care,” Darian adds with a laugh. “That’s why this project will probably keep me out of retirement for a good long while.”

RSVP for programs by calling 623-465-6000, emailing Connect@DoingGrief.org or completing the form at DoingGrief.org. Programs are at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, 13049 N. 103rd Ave. A suggested donation of $5–10 can be given online or at the door. All are welcome, regardless of ability to pay.