Suicide Loss Support Group in Calgary
You Are Not Alone: Surviving Suicide Loss Together is an 8-session, in-person support group for people who have lost someone to suicide, facilitated by Registered Psychologists.
January 14 – April 22, 2027
Every second Thursday · 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Solasta Counselling · Calgary, AB
$600 for all eight sessions
Parent-only group and family & friends group(s)
Grief After Suicide Can Feel Like No One Understands
Losing someone to suicide can bring a kind of grief that is hard to put into words, and hard to share with the people around you.
Being with others who have experienced suicide loss can make it easier to talk about what you are carrying, without having to explain or protect anyone.
This group offers a safe and supportive space to connect with others who understand, explore the many emotions of grief, share at your own pace, and find ways to cope and live with your loss.
What is the Suicide Loss Support Group?
An eight-session, in-person group held every two weeks at Solasta Counselling in NW Calgary, facilitated by Registered Psychologists.
There are two groups: a parent-only group for parents who have lost a child to suicide, facilitated by Dr. Gillian McKirdy, and at least one additional group for partners, siblings, other family members and friends, facilitated by Sabrina Minor and Sarah Choudhry. Additional groups may be formed depending on registrations.
There is no pressure to share more than feels comfortable.
Interested in Joining the Suicide Loss Support Group?
Complete the form below to register for our upcoming 8-session suicide loss support group, You Are Not Alone: Surviving Suicide Loss Together. This form helps us understand your needs and whether the group is a good fit for you. Submitting it does not guarantee a place; suitability and availability will be confirmed by Solasta.
What Will We Talk About?
- Connecting with others who understand suicide loss
- Exploring the many emotions of grief
- Sharing your experiences at your own pace
- Finding ways to cope with your loss
- Learning to live with your loss over time
- Supporting one another in a safe space
Dr. Gillian McKirdy
Sabrina Minor
Sarah ChoudhryMeet Your Facilitators:
Dr. Gillian McKirdy, Psy.D., R.Psych
Parent-only group
Gillian is a Registered Psychologist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and the Clinical Director and co-founder of Solasta. Her therapeutic work with children, adolescents, adults and families is grounded in attachment- and trauma-informed care.
Sabrina Minor, MC, R.Psych
Family & friends group
Sabrina is a Registered Psychologist who supports people of all ages through life’s ups and downs with warmth, compassion and encouragement, drawing on approaches including CBT and ACT.
Sarah Choudhry, MACP, R.Psych
Family & friends group
Sarah is a Registered Psychologist and EMDR therapist with more than a decade of experience as a health professional. Her work includes trauma, grief and life transitions.
Who is This Group For?
This group is for people who have lost someone to suicide, including parents, partners, siblings, other family members and friends.
Whether your loss was recent or many years ago, you are welcome. The group is designed for people who have had some time to begin processing their loss and feel ready to participate in a supportive group setting.
January 2027 Group Details
Dates: Thursday, January 14 – Thursday, April 22, 2027
Sessions: Jan 14 & 28 · Feb 11 & 25 · Mar 11 & 25 · Apr 8 & 22
Time: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Length: 8 sessions, every two weeks
Format: In person
Location: Solasta Counselling, 1716 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L7
Parent-only group: Dr. Gillian McKirdy, Registered Psychologist
Family & friends group(s): Sabrina Minor and Sarah Choudhry, Registered Psychologists
Cost: $600 for all eight sessions, paid in full before the group begins
Coverage: May be eligible as a psychological service through your extended health benefits
Group Guidelines
To help create a safe and supportive environment, we will not discuss the specific details of how the person died, as these details may be distressing for other participants. You are encouraged to share at your own pace and are never required to share more than you feel comfortable with. All participants are expected to respect the privacy and confidentiality of others.
How do I register?
Complete the registration form above, or contact our Client Care Team and let us know you’re interested in the Suicide Loss Support Group. Further intake, suitability screening and informed consent will be completed before your place is confirmed.
FAQs
Do I have to share my story?
No. Participants are encouraged to share at their own pace and are never required to share more than they feel comfortable with.
Will the group talk about how our loved ones died?
No. We don’t discuss the specific details of how the person died by suicide, as these details may be distressing or triggering for other participants.
How recent does my loss need to be?
Whether your loss was recent or many years ago, you are welcome. The group is designed for people who have had some time to begin processing their loss. If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, let us know on the form and we can talk it through first.
Can I attend online?
This group is offered in person only, at Solasta Counselling, 1716 16 Ave NW, Calgary.
Is the group covered by insurance?
The group is facilitated by Registered Psychologists, so it may be eligible for coverage as a psychological service through your extended health benefits. Please check your plan.
What if I'm having difficulty with the cost?
Please let us know. We may be able to help make participation possible. Email admin@solastacounselling.ca to talk about financial assistance.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
