- Meet other teens who get it — no explaining needed
- Express grief through talk, music, art and creative activities
- Learn practical ways to cope at school, at home and with friends
- Keep your parent's memory close while you keep growing
al-kindi.com — scan to learn more & join
Young Hearts Healing Circle
An in-person grief group for teens who have lost a parent.
- FormatIn person at our Arlington, MA office
- Length8 weekly sessions
- GroupSmall group of peers
- Investment$350 for 8 sessions, per teen
Young Hearts Healing Circle is an 8-session, in-person grief support group at Al-Kindi Counseling Services in Arlington, MA for teenagers who have experienced the death of a parent. Led by licensed clinicians, it combines peer connection with creative, hands-on activities — music, art and storytelling — so teens can express what is hard to say, learn ways to cope, and keep their parent's memory close.
Why a group just for teens?
Losing a parent as a teenager can make you feel different from everyone around you. Friends may not understand, adults may worry, and you might feel you have to be strong for your family. Grief can show up as sadness — but also as anger, numbness, trouble focusing at school, or pulling away from people.
Being with peers who have lived through the same kind of loss helps teens feel less alone. Because many teens don't want to just sit and talk, the group uses creative approaches — music, art, writing and play-based activities — that make it easier to express feelings safely and at their own pace.
How this group helps
Guided by the HIKMA© method, the group supports the whole young person — Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual (PEMS):
Physical
Grief can affect sleep, appetite and energy. Teens learn simple calming and grounding tools they can use anywhere.
Emotional
Naming and expressing big feelings through creative activities — without having to find the perfect words.
Mental
Practical coping for school, friendships, family changes and the moments that bring grief back.
Spiritual
Honoring who their parent was, what they meant, and the values and memories teens want to carry forward.
Curious where this comes from? Read the story of Al-Kindi and our HIKMA© method.
What the eight sessions explore
Every session mixes connection, a creative activity and a short coping skill, and ends with a calm closing moment. Nobody is pushed to share more than they want to.
- Session 1
You're not alone
Getting to know each other, setting group agreements, and a low-pressure creative icebreaker.
- Session 2
My person
Introducing the parent who died through a photo, a song or an object that matters.
- Session 3
Feelings map
Exploring the many feelings of grief — including the confusing ones — through art.
- Session 4
Grief and my body
How grief shows up in sleep, energy and stress, and calming tools that actually work.
- Session 5
School, friends and home
Handling hard moments, what to say when people ask, and how to ask for help.
- Session 6
Music and memory
Using music and songwriting to express what words can't.
- Session 7
Keeping the bond
Creating a memory project that keeps your parent's story with you.
- Session 8
Looking ahead
Celebrating the group, naming your supports, and closing the circle together.
Is this group right for me?
A good fit if…
- A teen who has experienced the death of a parent or parent figure
- They'd benefit from connecting with peers who understand
- They can attend in person in Arlington, MA
- A parent or guardian supports their participation
Maybe not right now if…
- The teen is in crisis or at risk of self-harm — please seek immediate help first
- The loss was very recent and they need individual support to stabilize (we can help with that)
- They can't attend most of the eight sessions
“The people we love stay with us — in our stories, our music and the way we grow.”— Young Hearts Healing Circle
Frequently asked questions
Who can sign up?
A parent or guardian can request a spot for their teen. Our team will follow up to talk about fit, scheduling and consent before the group begins.
Will my teen have to talk about the death?
Only if and when they want to. Creative activities give teens other ways to express themselves, and listening is always welcome.
Is what my teen shares kept private?
Yes. Group confidentiality is explained at the start. As with all therapy, clinicians must act if there is a safety concern, and they explain those limits clearly to teens and families.
Where does the group meet?
In person at 7 Central Street, Suite 160, Arlington, MA 02476 — convenient to Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Lexington, Belmont and Winchester.
How much does it cost?
$350 for 8 sessions per teen, paid upfront to hold a place on the waiting list.
Groups are intentionally small. Request a spot and our team will follow up about the next start date, fit and next steps. Individual therapy with us is in-network with BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, MassGeneral Brigham Health Plan, Optum and UnitedHealthcare.
or call (978) 996-8033
In crisis? This group is not an emergency service. If you or someone you love is in danger, call 911. For immediate emotional support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Other groups at Al-Kindi
Last updated September 2026 · Al-Kindi Counseling Services, Inc., 7 Central Street, Suite 160, Arlington, MA 02476.