Grief is not an illness.
It is a natural human experience we all move through.
Adapted from Companioning the Bereaved, by Alan D. Wolfelt
Among the ancient Greeks, hospitality was a necessary element of day-to-day life. One way to do this was to break bread together. First, the guest and host would pour a libation to the gods. Then they would eat. Then, after the guest was full, they would tell each other their stories. Often tears were shed as their stories were highly personal; battles, family losses, death, were all part of it. Still today, breaking bread and telling stories is a crucial part of the grief journey. Natural and human, humane.
Let me be your companion on your grief journey.
Grief coaching, or companioning, honours the natural process of grief. We don’t expect you to return to normal, to “stay strong” or to “get over it.” You are experiencing a natural human process. My process supports your entire self through the journey: soul-making, gently held, hearing your story.
From death to non-death losses, grieving changes our worldviews in many ways. We don’t need to return to a sense of
”normal” or forget our loved ones. We’ve changed. We’re honouring life’s movement through time, and opening up to new possibilities.
Coaching is perfectly aligned for your new soul-making worldview, moving through the threshold of change and growth.
Grief coaching aims to help you take small, practical steps in your everyday life to make things better. It's about making subtle changes around you that can improve how you feel and how you see things. The goal is to help you move forward step by step. As opposed to grief counselling, we're holding and supporting the emotional impact, but also taking practical steps forward -- coaching has a fidelity of movement. In many ways, it's the perfect balance of emotional support and practicality. You'll be well-supported. ~Mark
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As a partner in your journey, as a coach, I privately, and professionally hold space for you, trusting your emerging needs. We can co-create together, hold space for your process. I’m on your side. I don’t tell you what to do, or push you along. It’s a safe place to grow and be trusted. Coaching has a fidelity to it that supports growth and trying things out. So we can be quite practical and flexible towards your needs. Have you been in a rut? We can come up with solutions together. Needing to vent, or bounce ideas? Great! Want to connect grief to larger more soul-making life goals? That’s where my transpersonal approach excels. Throughout your journey I’m alongside you. That’s coaching. I don’t diagnose, pathologize, or direct your life. You are the director of your life and I meet you in a professional I-thou relationship.
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It’s all about you, and I take my leads from your needs. You may want direct well-researched grief strategies you can put into your life, with a bit of solid information you can use immediately.
It’s common to feel a new sense of purpose emerging from your grief and you want someone to hold space for that change within you, and yet respect the parts within yearning for the past, also. Either way, I’m here to listen without judgement and partner with you on your journey. No pressure.
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As a board certified coach, I respect the fidelity of coaching, which is to assist clients in moving from one state to another. Grief coaching honours that we aren’t sick, broken, or wrong - we have experienced a natural human condition. We’re honouring a process of stepping into what’s meaningful for us, now. Grief changed us, and coaching supports YOUR next steps. No one should ever deny you your reality, and coaching allows you to move freely in the direction you are heading.
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My cabin office is nestled in the woods, so even if we don’t go outside, you’ll feel like you are! (even on Zoom :)). I love the expansive, wild approach to getting into nature. It heals, and it’s perfectly aligned with the nature of grief coaching: honouring your unfolding, meaning-making through purpose, meaning and values. The trees and waterways are there to assist.
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If you ever have a chance to save money, please do! Your car mechanic might be the best grief coach. What matters is that your reality and agency are not denied. You are stepping through a threshold and grief can make the process messy and turbulent. A professional coach will never deny you your reality, try to change your mind, or project their agenda into yours. You want to become a 54-year-old ballerina in Sweden? Great! Let’s chat about what that means for you and how we can honour that. I receive supervision and have a professional practice to honour your growth.
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My number one tool is being present for you, listening to you, and holding space for you and your next steps.
Throughout my experience working with numerous individuals, I've identified common challenges that many face. Moreover, I've discovered that implementing the following strategies can significantly contribute to genuine improvement. While it's impossible to eliminate grief entirely, akin to erasing love, there are tangible ways to noticeably lighten the weight of that grief. In specific areas, I've identified practical changes that can be implemented:
1. Supporting new group/social community connections
2. Utilizing Anxiety-Reducing and Grounding Techniques and Imagery
3. Transforming Attitudes and Outlooks through Fashion
4. Nurturing Healthy Meals and Eating Habits
5. Crafting a Home Sanctuary that Welcomes You
6. Incorporating Stress-Reducing Practices
7. Discovering a New Life Purpose
8. Safely Exploring Solo Travel Experiences, Group Experiences
Why a “Soulful” Companion?
The soul is present during the grief process. Those who grieve need a safe sanctuary where they can fully be themselves: hot messes, upset, angry, confused, and full of anxiety. The coaching/companioning process is a perfect match for those who honour that they have stepped through a threshold, and a new version of themselves is peeking through. I’m here to listen to your story, and with open heart, receive you on your terms, without judgment or pressure.
Death and Non-death Losses are Equally Challenging, Full of Potential
Grief can take many forms. Non-death losses include changing jobs, divorce, break-ups, you name it. Any change is a loss! In many ways, it’s a threshold we walk through, which aligns perfectly with the fidelity of coaching: movement from one place to another. You know you’ve changed, and you want a companion you can trust, who is safe, to honour your life’s movement. To respect your story.
Options to Support You, Next Steps
Contact me through phone, txt, DM, or email and i’ll respond. I’m open to working on our terms, and your process. Generally, we can meet in person, phone, or Zoom. We can go hiking, canoeing, (and other options you dream up). Most importantly, you feel comfortable, safe, and supported. I’m fully insured, private, and professional. I’ve walked through my own grieving process.
The beauty of coaching is we can move outside the confines of a traditional therapy room. There’s no therapy required for the human condition of grief — you aren’t ill. after all. I have a free referral process, and I’m happy to connect you with trusted therapists.
From phone, to hiking sessions you will be supported. We’ll move along your path, and i’ll be open to your timeframe and needs.
Booking, Next Steps. Book a free call
Email Me or call or txt when ready and we can discuss your needs and I’ll provide a free estimate. Coaching is more flexible and generally less expensive than counselling. Special rates for BIPOC community.
Note: Coaching works equally well over phone, Zoom, or in-person. Phone is great since you can find a quiet area that is private for you (and save on gas money).
