Find Care.
Find Community.
Find Connection.
ONE EMPTY CHAIR SUPPORT GROUPS
Find Care.
Find Community.
Find Connection.
One Empty Chair Support Groups
introducing...
One Empty Chair Support Groups are designed for widows and widows-to-be seeking deeper connection, personalized support, and a more intimate experience than our private Facebook group and larger online communities can provide. Intentionally kept small, our groups offer a safe and welcoming space where women can share openly about their journey, ask hard questions, build meaningful relationships, and walk alongside women who understand the unique challenges of anticipatory loss, loss, life after loss, parenting after loss, and dating after loss.
GROUP DESCRIPTION
For widows seeking support as they navigate dating and romantic relationships after the loss of a spouse, including discerning when they're ready to date, determining what they want and need from a partner in this new chapter, responding to others' reactions, knowing when and how to involve children, intimacy and vulnerabilities unique to widows, recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics, balancing excitement and hope with fear and discouragement, all while continuing to love and honor the spouse they lost.
GROUP DETAILS
Meets XXXXXXX
Virtually via Zoom
90-minute sessions
Intentionally limited to 8 women
Safe, confidential and supportive
INVESTMENT
$89/month
Dating After Loss
Support Group
GROUP DESCRIPTION
For widowed mothers seeking support and encouragement as they navigate the unique challenges of raising children after the loss of a spouse, including caring for growing and grieving children while grieving themselves, making decisions and managing responsibilities as the only parent, experiencing major milestones the other parent will never witness, honoring the deceased parent, and uncovering their new identity while raising children and guiding them into and through adulthood as the only parent.
GROUP DETAILS
Meets XXXXXXXX
Virtually via Zoom
90-minute sessions
Intentionally limited to 8 women
Safe, confidential and supportive
INVESTMENT
$89/month
Parenting After Loss
Support Group
GROUP DESCRIPTION
For widows seeking ongoing support, connection, and encouragement, this group provides space to share openly, build meaningful relationships, and navigate the daily realities of life after the loss of a spouse. Connect with others who understand the challenges, growth, and ongoing adjustments that accompany life after loss.
GROUP DETAILS
Meets Sunday evenings
Virtually via Zoom
90-minute sessions
Intentionally limited to 8 women
Safe, confidential and supportive
INVESTMENT
$89/month
Life After Loss
Support Group
GROUP DESCRIPTION
For widows in the early months and years after the loss of a spouse, this group provides a safe and supportive space to grieve, navigate the challenges of a new reality, and adjust to life after loss. Share openly with others who understand the many emotions, questions and uncertainties that accompany this season of widowhood.
GROUP DETAILS
Meets Thursday evenings
Virtually via Zoom
90-minute sessions
Intentionally limited to 8 women
Safe, confidential and supportive
INVESTMENT:
$89/month
Newly Widowed
Support Group
For women caring for a spouse with a terminal illness, this group offers connection, understanding, and support through the challenges of caregiving and anticipatory grief. Share openly with others who understand the weight of difficult decisions, the serious uncertainty about what lies ahead, and the struggle to balance daily life while preparing for profound loss.
GROUP DETAILS
- Meets Monday OR Wednesday daytime
- Virtually via Zoom
- 90-minute sessions
- Intentionally limited to 8 women
- Safe, confidential and supportive
INVESTMENT:
$89/month
Anticipatory Grief & Caregiver
Support Group
Current Support Groups
I'm Amy, your group facilitator and fellow widow.
As an only parent and longtime participant in cancer, grief, and widow support groups over the past 11 years, I understand how deeply loss reshapes every aspect of life. It is my privilege to create safe spaces where women are free to be fully present, ask hard questions, and know they are not alone.
about amy
hi!
"They don't pretend to know it all. They don't pretend to have answers. They just sit with you. They listen. They take it all in. They offer their divine presence."
amy beth pederson
Engage in meaningful conversation with women who understand.
Share openly and ask hard questions in a safe space.
Receive encouragement specific to your story and situation.
Find relief from isolation and see that you are not alone.
Feel seen, heard, and supported in the midst of real challenges.
Gain wisdom and surround yourself with community on your journey.
Benefits of Participating in a Support Group
sign up
for a support group
This for you if:
You feel alone
you don't have the time or emotional bandwidth to participate right now
your needs are not being met with the supports you currently have in place
90 minutes a week feels like too much to add to your plate right now
you're ready for
something more,
something deeper, something that specifically meets you where you are
It's probably for you if...
it's going to leave you feeling more overwhelmed than supported
not
is
It's probably
for you if...
Are these support groups therapy?
These support groups are NOT therapy and are NOT intended to replace professional counseling or mental health treatment. While I am NOT a licensed therapist or counselor, I am a widow, an only parent, a certified coach, author, and longtime participant in cancer, grief, and widow support groups. My role is to create a safe, supportive space where women can share, connect, ask hard questions, and encourage one another. If you are looking for professional mental health treatment, I encourage you to seek care from a licensed therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these support groups open to women outside of the United States?
Yes! Women from anywhere in the world are welcome to participate. As long as you are available to join the Zoom call at the scheduled day and time, we would love to have you. At this time, all support groups are conducted in English.
Are the support groups confidential?
YES. Confidentiality is one of the foundations of every One Empty Chair support group. What is shared in the group stays in the group. At the beginning of each support group session, all members willl agree to honor confidentiality so everyone can feel safe and share openly with confidence.
Are there other meeting days or times available?
Currently, One Empty Chair offers three support groups on different days and at different times throughout the week. If a group fills or there is enough interest in another meeting day or time, additional groups may be added as One Empty Chair grows. If none of the current support groups work for you, please reach out. I would love to hear what days and times would better meet your needs.
What if I cry during support group?
Absolutely. Tears are natural and expected in support groups like these. Come as you are. Some days, you might feel strong. Some days, you might come in knowing you're going to break down. And some days, the emotion might take you by surprise. It's all okay. It's all good. Whatever you're feeling is accepted and understood.
What if I don't want to talk or share?
It's totally okay if you don't feel like talking or sharing. Some days you'll feel like listening. Some days you'll have just a few thoughts to share. And some days, you'll have a story that needs more time and space. All we ask is you come with an open heart, an open mind, and a willingness to listen and to share if and when you're comfortable.
What happens if I have to miss a meeting?
We completely understand that life happens. If you know you won't be able to attend a meeting, just let us know ahead of time so we don't wait to begin the group. We will look forward to seeing you the next week!
If you have reviewed our One Empty Chair support group offerings and believe a different group would be a better fit for where you are on your journey, please let me know. We can easily switch you to another group. If you are sensing you might be ready for a switch, but aren't quite sure yet, I'd be happy to message, email, schedule a phone call, or meet with you on Zoom so we can talk through it together.
Can I switch groups if I'm ready for a different type of support?
Absolutely. My hope is that every woman finds a support group where she feels safe, supported, cared for, and connected. If you decide a support group is no longer the right fit for you, please let me know. I would be happy to talk through your options, whether that means switching to a different One Empty Chair support group or stepping away altogether.
Can I stop participating if a One Empty Chair support group isn't the right fit for me?
One Empty Chair support groups are designed to be ongoing rather than limited to a set number of weeks or months. My hope is to cultivate a community where women develop real relationships, build trust, and feel supported through every step of their journey. You are welcome to participate as long as the group continues meeting your needs.
