Doing Grief Community Healing Project recently opened its doors at Desert Palm United Church of Christ in Tempe, contributing to the Phoenix metro-wide effort to provide healing support to those who are grieving death, loneliness, isolation, or any loss or change that causes grief.

Shea Darian, a grief theorist, educator and spiritual care provider, is on a mission to help change the state of mental healthcare in Arizona for grievers, caregivers and care providers, according to a press release. 

Darian is the creator of the theoretical model of adaptive grieving dynamics and author of the award-winning book, “Doing Grief in Real Life: A Soulful Guide to Navigate Loss, Death and Change.”

In March 2022, Darian founded Doing Grief Community Healing Project to provide an alternative to conventional grief education programs and support services, the release explained.

Darian started the pilot program for the Healing Project in an old chapel space of a church in the Northwest Valley that was being used for storage.

Working together with other community professionals, Darian offers grief support circles, grief education based on cutting-edge research in the field, healing through the arts workshops, and spiritual enrichment programs that promote holistic healing. 

The Healing Project struck a chord with over 300 attendees in its first year of operation and that number is growing, the release stated.

In January, Darian expanded programs to Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City, First Church – UCC in central Phoenix and Desert Palm UCC in Tempe. 

“Our programs are for those of all faiths and philosophies, or none,” Darian said in the release, “Like our motto says, whoever you are, wherever you come from, and whatever you lost, we’re building a community where you can belong, hope, and heal your suffering.”

Upcoming programs in Tempe include the “Mourning Light Café: Doing Grief YOUR Way” education series on Sundays, March 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 10:30 a.m. to noon with light refreshments served at 10 a.m. for those who arrive early. On Sunday, March 9, Darian will also be preaching at the 9:00 a.m. worship service at Desert Palm.

Doing Grief Community Healing Project in Tempe is located at Desert Palm United Church of Christ, 1230 E Guadalupe Road. RSVP at 602-419-4043 or Connect@DoingGrief.org. 

Visit DoingGrief.org for more.