Why Working with a Grief Coach Could Be Your Next Step in Healing
The truth about grief isn't pretty, and it certainly isn't linear. I know this firsthand - both as someone who lost my adult child and as a grief coach who works with women navigating their own losses.
One of the hardest lessons I've learned? Time alone doesn't heal all wounds. What heals is having the right support and guidance while you navigate this journey.
The Myth of "Getting Over It"
Let's be honest - if one more well-meaning person tells you to "stay positive" or that "time heals all wounds," you might just lose it.
I get it. These common phrases and empty words, though well-intentioned, often leave us feeling more isolated, misunderstood, and dare I say it - angry.
Because here's what nobody tells you: grief isn't something you "get over." It's something you learn to carry differently as you rebuild your new normal life.
Why Traditional Support May Not Be Enough
Many women I work with have already tried traditional therapy (which can be incredibly valuable) and support groups (which work for some, but often reinforce the belief that we'll be grieving forever).
But even with these steps, they're still struggling. They're functioning on the outside - showing up for work, taking care of their families, going through the motions - but inside, they're barely treading water.
This is where grief coaching fills a crucial gap.
What Makes Grief Coaching Different?
Unlike traditional therapy, which often focuses on processing the past, grief coaching combines emotional support with practical strategies for moving forward. It's not about "moving on" - it's about learning how to carry your loss while also reclaiming your life.
Here are five signs you might be ready for a grief coach:
You're Tired of Well-Meaning But Misguided Advice
Your friends and family want to help, but their suggestions to "stay busy" or "focus on the positive" leave you feeling more alone than ever. A grief coach understands that plastering on a smile and pretending to be okay isn't the answer and provides a space where all your feelings are valid - even the hard and messy ones.
You Need More Than Just Understanding
Maybe therapy has helped you process your loss, but now you're asking, "What next?" You need someone who can provide practical strategies, along with understanding and emotional support, to navigate daily life while honoring your grief.
Traditional Support Groups Don't Feel Right
Whether it's discomfort sharing in a group setting or feeling like your grief journey is different from others', you need more personalized support that addresses your needs and helps you heal at your own pace. You may even feel like the support group is keeping you stuck in your grief because of all the sadness.
You're Surviving, Not Living
You're managing to keep up appearances, but inside, you know you're just going through the motions. You're ready to do more than just exist, but you have no idea how to get there.
You're Ready for Real Change
You've realized that trying to figure this out alone isn't working, and you're ready for support from someone who truly understands grief - not just professionally, but personally.
My Approach as Your Grief Coach
Having walked this path myself after losing my adult child and my mom, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to our work together. I know that grief doesn't follow a timeline or a neat set of stages. Every loss is unique, and every person's journey through grief is their own.
What I offer isn't a "quick fix" or a way to "get over" your loss. Instead, I provide:
A safe space to be exactly where you are in your grief
Practical tools and encouragement for managing difficult days
Ways to handle and respond to well-meaning but unhelpful advice
Gentle guidance in finding meaning, purpose, and yes, joy, in your life while keeping your loved one in your heart
Support in creating a new normal that honors both your loss and your life (don't worry if right now you can't even imagine a new normal)
Moving Forward Together
If you're nodding along to any of this, know that you don't have to navigate this journey alone.
Working with a grief coach isn't about forgetting or "moving on" - it's about learning to live fully while keeping your loved one's memory alive in a way that works for you.
Ready to take the next step? I'd love to talk to you about how grief coaching might be your next step on a "Path to Healing" call with me.
We'll talk about where you are in your journey and explore how grief coaching might support you in finding your way forward. No obligation, but it might just be the first step in your healing journey.
So if you're ready and you'd like to have some help (and a comforting ear) as you begin to take your first steps in healing, I'd be honored to walk the path with you.
Let's talk about what that would look like in a free Pathway to Healing call.
And if you’re not ready for a call, that’s okay too. You can start small by downloading my free First Steps in Healing Grief Workbook. It will help walk you through the first steps you can take in your own healing journey.
Download here: First Steps in Healing Grief Workbook
