The Center for Loss and Transition

Hospice of Acadiana provides free bereavement services to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. It doesn't matter whether your loved one was a patient of Hospice of Acadiana, Inc., another hospice provider, or was not a hospice patient at all.

The only requirement for service is being a resident in our 9-parish service area: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion.

Center staff include nationally certified bereavement counselors who specialize in grief therapy. The Center offers comprehensive services, including:

• individual counseling
• support groups
• labyrinth walks and workshops
• workshops on loss and transition

Our bereavement staff seeks to keep in touch with family members for at least 13 months.

• Camp Brave Hearts

  The philosophy at Hospice of Acadiana includes compassionate care and concern for children who are suffering the death of a loved one. We recognize the value of providing community family and peer support in assisting children through this very difficult time.

  Camp Brave Hearts is a day camp for children faced with the challenges of grief. Whether or not we realize it, grief calls for a BRAVE HEART in all of us. Being brave means being honest about difficult feelings and being willing to share those feelings with others. Camp Brave Hearts provides a safe place for children to express their emotions freely through fun activities including:

  • Rock Ritual
  • Art Activities
  • Butterfly Release
  • Honor Parade
  • Memory Box

  Camp is staffed by counselors, social workers, nurses, and trained volunteers experienced in hospice and/or bereavement care.

  Studies of the grief process in children have shown that play, peer support, and interaction are an integral part of the healing process. At our annual summer camp, children ages 6-12 discover they are not alone in their grief. The camp is a safe, supportive place for them to share their stories, express their feelings, and learn coping skills to deal with and manage grief and loss.

• Social Connections through Grief

  These programs are to provide a safe space for those grieving to socially connect with others and attend outings without being alone.

  Dine Around: Monthly social outings with others who have lost loved ones. Pre-registration is required to ensure a seat for everyone attending.

  RSVP Social Group: Introducing a social group for those wanting to connect with others who understand the challenges of socializing after loss.

• Healing Through Art

  Throughout the year, various workshops that include art therapy, music therapy, and creative writing are offered. Our creative therapy workshops provide an alternative medium for working through grief, while giving insight into ourselves and our emotions.

• Mindful Yoga

  Tailored to facilitate emotional healing and enhance spiritual strength, these classes, guided by licensed yoga instructors, aim to alleviate the physical tension associated with grief. Our emphasis is on practices that promote healing and mindful breathing. No prior experience or specific level of flexibility is necessary to participate.

• Group Counseling

  Find comfort and encouragement in our support groups facilitated by licensed professionals in a comfortable and safe place. No pre-registration is required.

  
  

• Children's Individual Counseling

  Play therapy is a unique way of working with children who are grieving. The Children’s Resource Room supports play therapy for our younger clients, allowing for self-expression as they transform and heal through their grief.

• Adult Individual Counseling

  Individual Counseling

  One-on-one counseling is provided for those who may be experiencing difficult emotions and reactions related to their grief. Individual counseling sessions are provided by licensed professionals.
  WHEN: By appointment, Monday-Friday, call 337-889-5369 to schedule
  WHERE: Acadiana's Center for Loss & Transition, 2600 Johnston St.

• Crocheting with Rosemary

  Whether you know how to crochet or would be willing to learn, this is a great opportunity to gather with others who have lost a loved one. Create supportive friendships while crocheting prayer   blankets for our patients. All yarn is provided.

• Labyrinth Walk

  One of the most powerful and enduring religious symbols is the Labyrinth, which is believed to be nearly 5,000 years old. In the Middle Ages, when traveling to Jerusalem became too dangerous, labyrinths were commissioned by the Pope to represent pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

  Walking the labyrinth takes us to a sacred place. Following the winding path to its center is a metaphor for our spiritual journey. The circular path is a spiritual exercise that leads to self-knowledge and transformation, to a place of healing and wholeness.

  Please contact us to schedule a guided walk.