AmeraCare Family Hospice will hold a special, four-week series bereavement support led by a therapist. There is no charge for the four sessions.

Bereavement is defined as the period after a loss in which grief is experienced and mourning occurs. It is a natural occurrence.

However, according to AmeraCare, there is a growing realization among mental health professionals that support groups are an appropriate and effective way to help people heal. Support groups encourage participants to reconcile their losses and go on to find continued meaning in life and living.

In the first session, group members will work to define and describe their loss, as well as identify and explore their feelings, thoughts and behaviors as they relate to their loss.

The support groups are open to all members of the community. Due to limited seating, those interested in participating are asked to contact Trisha Crain, physician liaison, at 732-4848.

Meetings will begin on Tuesday at Westminster Woods, 1600 Avenue F in Bogalusa, from 5:30-7 p.m. The group will meet weekly for four consecutive weeks on the same day of the week and at the same time and place.