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CLINICAL SERVICES
The Types of Grief Support We Offer
Grief support isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither is the help available at Common Ground Grief. We offer distinct types of support, and knowing the difference can help you find what's right for you.
Clinical grief therapy is provided by a licensed mental health professional or a supervised trainee working toward licensure. This type of support involves a formal assessment of your needs, a personalized treatment plan, and ongoing therapy sessions. It is appropriate when grief is significantly affecting your daily functioning, relationships, mental health, or wellbeing. Clinical services follow strict legal and ethical guidelines, including confidentiality protections and documented care.
Peer grief support and community programming are non-clinical services that don't involve diagnosis or treatment. Instead, they offer education, shared experience, and community connection. They are a space to learn about grief, hear from others who understand loss firsthand, identify and express grief feelings, and build coping skills together. These services are meaningful and valuable, but they are not a substitute for mental health treatment.
If you're unsure which type of support is right for you, reaching out for a conversation is always a good first step. Some people benefit from both.
For Clinical Support Contact our Clinical Services Team. Click HERE to get connected.
For Peer Support or to help identify which servcies could be most helpful for you, contact our Support Team HERE
Erin McCuan, LCSW, Clinical Director
Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience in
healthcare, leadership, and education with a special focus on grief and loss. In working
with clients and professionals of all ages and backgrounds, Erin has utilized her clinical
knowledge and training to assist caregivers, Veterans, students, and families, with
emotional healing as they navigate life transitions. Erin’s calling to this work is
influenced by her own personal grief and loss experiences. She is passionate about
broadening quality grief education and mental health support for individuals,
communities, and future professionals through her work as Adjunct Faculty at California
State University, Long Beach, and as a provider in her private mental health practice.
Chris Cano, MDiv, FT, MFT Trainee
Chris offers individual and family grief therapy for people navigating all types of loss, including the death of a loved one, divorce, family separation, estrangement, loss of identity or purpose, and the grief that comes from leaving or losing a faith community. He understands that loss takes many forms, and that grief doesn't require a death certificate to be real and deserving of care.
Chris brings a nuanced understanding of spiritual grief while welcoming clients from any faith background, or none at all. He holds space for those who are questioning, deconstructing, or stepping away from religion, recognizing that a shift in belief can carry its own profound sense of loss.
With more than 25 years of experience spanning grief education, Christian ministry, and funeral service, Chris brings an unusually grounded perspective to bereavement care. He is a Fellow in Thanatology which is a distinction awarded by the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) that recognizes advanced knowledge and expertise in the study of death, dying, and bereavement. It is one of the highest credentials in the field. He also serves as Executive Director of Common Ground Grief, where his work centers on the intersection of spiritual care, psychosocial support, and community based healing.
Chris is currently completing his MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. He sees clients as an MFT Trainee under the supervision of Sarah Kirk, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License #38467).
Jill Arbini, MSW, ASW
Jill Arbini is an Associate Clinical Social Worker with a Master's in Social Work and years of training and experience in grief and loss. Her focus is on the death of a significant person in one’s life as well as the additional losses that often follow. She offers therapeutic counseling for adults, youth, and families in grief. Services are provided in person or via telehealth.
Jill's approach is person-centered and relational. She recognizes that grief is a journey, unique to the individual. There is no single correct way to grieve, no timeline or expectations. With compassion, validation, and guidance, Jill honors the grief journey and assists clients in exploring and processing their thoughts, feelings, coping, and meaning related to the loss. She holds space for clients to process whatever feels most important in each session, exploring topics at their own pace without expectations or judgment. If a client expresses interest, she can also incorporate structured and expressive activities into the therapeutic process.
Jill sees clients as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW#121805) under the supervision of Kirsten Larsen Muster, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License #LCSW 16904).
