Hope and healing: grief group for men
“Some call grief a journey. I call it a quest. Grief stuns us, and we quickly surrender to isolation, disbelief, and uncertainty. From that moment on, we’re on a search for help to survive and reassurance we’re not crazy.” - Alan D. Wolfelt, PH.D.
Since 2023, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) Chaplain Service has offered grief groups for men to provide a safe space to share hurt and listen during a grief quest.
Regardless of the loss you have experienced, there is hope. Whether the loss of a loved one, a marriage, a job, or even the loss of your identity, grief can seem devastating.
“We’re all born with the ability to grieve... But I think that even though we’re born with that, we lose it along the way,” Chaplain Christopher Headrick said.
Led by Headrick, the hybrid 10-week grief group is open to all Veteran men and will occur every Friday from May 9 - July 18, 2025.
Veterans can attend the group in-person or virtually. Each Veteran will receive a weekly reminder about the group and a VA Video Connect link to join virtually. The chaplains will assist in setting up the virtual appointments if needed.
“My goal is to make the group intimate, for (Veterans) to feel it’s a safe place where they can share,” Headrick said.
The small group consists with 10-15 men Veterans and is tailored to everyone’s own pace. There is no pressure to share or attend.
“This is not a place of judgement. If you want to sit silently and listen, you can. If you want to share, you can,” Headrick said.
There is no charge for the group and the Chaplain Service will provide the book and journal Understanding your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart by Alan D. Wolfelt.
Topics discussed include grief and mourning, growth, reconciliation, and much more.
“We don’t wish to walk behind you and push you or stand in front to pull. We hope to walk beside you on your grief quest,” Headrick said.
However, the Chaplain Service understands there are times you need to speak outside of a group. Every Veteran is welcomed and encouraged to contact the chaplains through every need and journey whether it is a physical, mental or spiritual need.
“There may be things you want to share but are uncomfortable to share in the group. And you are more than welcome to call me one-on-one,” Headrick said.
Watch the YouTube video here.
For more information, or sign up for a group, please call (615) 938-2276 or email Christopher.headrick@va.gov.