Rachel Saffer (she/her/hers) earned her Masters of Social Work from Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Starting as an office volunteer at Austin Grief, Rachel quickly grew to be an integral part of our team.
Rachel has experience in providing counseling to adults, teenagers and children who have experienced significant trauma in both group and individual settings. Rachel utilizes various interventions in her practice including therapeutic yoga, EMDR, and traditional play therapy. She believes in providing every client with a welcoming and safe environment so that they can work towards healing on their own terms.
VOLUNTEER-FACILITATED
SUPPORT GROUPS
The Austin Center for Grief & Loss offers volunteer-facilitated support groups using an online video platform as well as in-person. To inquire about a support group call 512.472.7878.
To create a safe and supportive environment for you and our group members, all new members must schedule an intake consultation with one of our therapists prior to their first group meeting. We cannot schedule an intake for new members the same day as their first group meeting.
Please note you must be a Texas resident to receive services provided by The Austin Center for Grief & Loss, including support groups.
CURRENT ONGOING GRIEF & LOSS VOLUNTEER-FACILITED SUPPORT GROUPS
Volunteer-facilitated support groups are ongoing and meet online 2 times per month, unless otherwise stated. Each group is facilitated by two trained volunteers and supervised by a licensed clinician. We strive to keep our groups small to foster safety and offer time to attend to each member. Please call our office at 512.472.7878 for more information.
Our registration/intake session for a support group is a one-time, $75.00 fee. It is the desire of Austin Grief for all who seek assistance to be served, regardless of financial situation. Our volunteer-facilitated groups are donation based. There are no ongoing fees to attend.
To learn more about a specific group click on the group title.
for adults who have experienced the death of a child
1st & 3rd MONDAY EVENINGS || 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
for adults grieving the loss of a significant other
1st & 3rd MONDAY EVENINGS || 1st & 3rd TUESDAY EVENINGS ||
1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
TEEN BEREAVEMENT GROUPS - forming now
For children who have experienced the death of a loved one
2nd & 4th MONDAY EVENINGS || 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
for adults grieving the suicide of a loved one
1st & 3rd TUESDAY EVENINGS || 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
for adults in the process of separation or divorce
1st & 3rd MONDAY EVENINGS || 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
for adults grieving the death of a loved one
1st & 3rd MONDAY EVENINGS In-Person
1st & 3rd TUESDAY EVENINGS
for women mourning the death of their mothers
1st & 3rd TUESDAY EVENINGS || 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
1st & 3rd MONDAY EVENINGS In-Person
for adults grieving the death of a parent
1st & 3rd MONDAY EVENINGS || 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
for LGBTQIA+ adults who have experienced the death of a loved one or disenfranchised loss
1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
CAREGIVERS GROUP
for those who are caring for a loved one, whether the loved one is elderly, disabled, or has a chronic or terminal illness
2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
ADULT LOSS DUE TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE/MISUSE/ADDICTION
for adults who have a friend or loved one who is misusing, abusing, or addicted to substances and for those who have suffered a loss of a loved one or friend
1st & 3rd MONDAY EVENINGS In-Person
LOSS DUE TO CHRONIC PAIN, INJURY, OR DISABILITY
for adults who are experiencing chronic pain or disability that has impacted life events and a loss of expectations
2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
The Austin Center for Grief & Loss offers additional support groups as needed. If you are interested in a potential new support group, please call to be put on a waitlist. We will contact you once there are enough participant members to begin the group. If you have an idea for a needed group, please let us know and we will explore its potential. Some examples of potential new support groups:
MEN'S LOSS GROUP
BEREAVED PARENTS INFANT and TODDLER LOSS (ages 0-5)
BEREAVED PARENTS MISCARRIAGE and STILLBIRTH LOSS
ADULT FATHER LOSS
PET LOSS
Please call 512.472.7878 or click the request an appointment below to inquire about our support groups.