Grief Resources Guide
You are not alone.
Grief looks different for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Whether you are coping with the loss of a loved one, supporting someone through grief, navigating a major life transition or simply trying to make it through one day at a time, we hope these resources offer comfort, connection and support.
Take what you need. Leave what you don’t.
Inspired by the 2026 Women Helping Women luncheon, this Grief Resources Guide was created to offer continued support, reflection, and connection beyond the event. Watch the full program replay (coming soon!) to hear powerful conversations about grief, loss, healing and reimagining a fulfilling life after loss.
Need Immediate Support?
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs immediate emotional support:
- Call or Text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Text HOME to 741741 — Crisis Text Line
Walking Through Grief Together
Sometimes the idea of a grief support group can feel overwhelming. You may wonder if you have the emotional capacity to hold space for others while carrying your own pain. But grief support does not have to feel heavy or burdensome. Often, simply being with others who understand can bring comfort, validation connection and hope.
Join Christine Dietz, Licensed Therapist & Spiritual Director, for a virtual informational session on Wednesday, June 10 from 12-1pmCST exploring how grief support groups can provide companionship, healing and meaningful support during difficult seasons of life.
Take the first step toward healing in community. Complete the form below to sign up for our June 10 support group. Please note: Forms are best used in Google Chrome or on a mobile device.
Choose a Category
Explore the categories below to find resources, support and tools that may meet you where you are today. Whether you are seeking community, professional guidance, healing practices or quiet reflection, we hope these offerings provide comfort, connection and encouragement along your journey.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center
Services Offered: Individual counseling for adults and children, couples counseling, family counseling, medication management and psychological testing. We currently have immediate openings for adult therapy.
Location: 8553 Urbandale Ave, Urbandale, IA
Cost & Accessibility: Accepts most insurance plans including Medicaid and Medicare. Sliding scale options available for uninsured or underinsured individuals.
SUPPORT GROUPS & COMMUNITY
Grieving Mothers of Hope Support Group
A support group for mothers who have experienced the loss of a child. Participants do not need to belong to a specific faith tradition or religious community to attend.
Location: Hope Lutheran Church — West Des Moines
Cost: Free
Meeting Schedule: First Monday of every month
The Compassionate Friends — Central Iowa Chapter
Support and connection for families grieving the death of a child, sibling or grandchild.
Locations:
- Hamilton’s Funeral Home — West Des Moines
- Garden Chapel Funeral Home — Pella
Cost: Free
Grief Support Circle
A welcoming support group for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one.
Location: First Unitarian Church — Des Moines
Cost: Free
Hamilton’s Academy of Grief & Loss
Offers educational grief resources, workshops and community support opportunities.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Resources and support for individuals and families grieving a suicide loss.
No Foot Too Small
Support and remembrance resources for families experiencing miscarriage, infant loss or pregnancy loss.
Location: Iowa-based organization
Cost: Free
EveryStep — Amanda the Panda
Provides grief and loss support services for children, teens, adults, families and schools. Includes support groups and grief care packages.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Cost: Free
Center for Loss & Trauma
Support resources and services focused on grief, trauma and emotional healing.
BOOKS & PODCASTS
General Grief & Healing
“It’s OK That You’re Not OK” by Megan Devine
A compassionate and honest exploration of grief that validates the reality that grief cannot simply be “fixed.”
Recommended For: Adults navigating loss and emotional overwhelm.
Cost: $15.61, found on Amazon
“The Wild Edge of Sorrow” by Francis Weller
Explores grief rituals, healing and the transformative power of honoring loss.
Recommended For: Individuals seeking deeper reflection and emotional healing.
Cost: $10.99, found on Amazon
“Holding Space: On Loving, Dying, and Letting Go” by Amy Wright Glenn
A thoughtful reflection on grief, death, caregiving and compassionate presence.
Cost: $18.95, found on Amazon
“Healing After Loss” by Martha Whitmore Hickman
A comforting collection of daily meditations and reflections offering encouragement, perspective and gentle support for those navigating grief and loss.
Recommended For: Adults seeking daily emotional support, quiet reflection, and healing throughout the grieving process.
Cost: $10.69, found on Amazon
“Shapeshifter: The Art of Family Tragedy and How to Be Amazing Anyway” by Amy Putney Koenig
Shapeshifter is an interactive memoir that weaves Amy Putney Koenig’s personal narrative with original art and creative exercises. The book highlights how inherited grief stemming from the traumatic childhood death of the author’s aunt Susan cast a shadow over generations.
Cost: $15.00, found on Amazon
“You Were Never Lost: Poems from the Tallgrass Prairie” by Suzanna de Baca
Find this brand new title at Beaverdale Books!
Children & Family Resources
“More Than Sad: Feelings After Someone Special Dies” by Laura Camerona
A children’s book designed to help young readers understand grief and emotional loss.
Recommended For: Children and families beginning conversations about grief.
Cost: $12.50, found on Amazon
“There Was a Baby…” by Laura Camerona
A supportive children’s book for siblings navigating miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss.
Recommended For: Families supporting children through pregnancy or infant loss.
Cost: $11.59, found on Amazon
“The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst
A comforting children’s story about love, connection and emotional bonds that continue even when someone is gone.
Recommended For: Young children coping with separation, grief or loss.
Cost: $5.56, found on Amazon
“Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss” by Pat Schwiebert, Chuck DeKlyen, et al.
A beautifully illustrated and compassionate book that uses the metaphor of making soup to explore the unique and personal journey of grief and healing after loss.
Recommended For: Children, families, caregivers and adults looking for a gentle and accessible way to understand grief and emotional healing.
Cost: $14.95, found on Amazon
Podcasts & Audio Resources
David Kessler on Grief & Finding Meaning
A conversation with Brené Brown and grief expert David Kessler about loss, healing and meaning-making.
Listen to the episode by clicking HERE
Resilience & Grace Podcast
Listen to a collection of teachings from Mary McCarthy through meditation and conversation. Each episode promotes wellness and well-being by connecting mind, body, and spirit.
Listen to the podcast by clicking HERE
The Grief Cast
People talking about death and grief, a podcast. Hosted by Cariad Lloyd
Listen to the podcast by clicking HERE
BODY-BASED & HEALING PRACTICES
Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School
Offers low-cost massage therapy services with a variety of therapeutic styles.
Location: Urbandale, IA
Cost: Approximately $45 per hour
Resilience & Grace Online Yoga
Variety of class styles to meet your physical and emotional needs with Mary McCarthy as your instructor.
Location: Online
Cost: Membership option rates
Relax & Reset Yoga
Slow and stretchy movement to allow time for you to relax, breathe and let go a little with Amy Putney Koenig as your instructor.
Location: Black Box, 1221 Center St. #8
Day/Time: Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm
Questions: Contact Amy 515-707-6062
OTHER SPECIALIZED SUPPORT
Walk With You
A nonprofit organization supporting families experiencing infant and child loss.
Location: Based in Iowa with nationwide support opportunities
Cost: Free
Wessys Wonder
An Iowa-based foundation focused on support, awareness and community care.
Location: Iowa
Cost: Free
Grief.com
Founded by grief expert David Kessler, Grief.com offers articles, videos, workshops and educational resources designed to support individuals navigating loss, grief and healing. The site provides compassionate guidance on topics such as finding meaning after loss, coping with difficult emotions and understanding the grieving process.
Cost: Many free resources available
Be gentle with yourself.
Grief changes over time.
Some days may feel heavy. Others may bring moments of peace, reflection, connection or hope.
Whatever your experience looks like, you deserve support, compassion and space to heal at your own pace.
We are honored to walk alongside you.
