Grief Coaching Or Grief Counselling? What are the Differences?

Grief is a natural human condition. We’re moving through thresholds and grief coaching has a natural fidelity of movement. For more clinical and deep-trauma-related grief it’s best to work with a medical professional (therapist).

As a grief coach I get asked this quite often! Rest assured there is absolute presence and emotional release and support in both. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. I’m happy to answer questions!

Grief coaching and grief counselling are both forms of support for individuals dealing with grief, but they have distinct approaches and goals.

Grief Counseling

- Focus: Grief counselling is typically focused on emotional healing and understanding the complex emotions associated with loss.

- Guidance: It often involves sessions with a trained counselor or therapist who helps individuals express their feelings, navigate the grieving process, and find ways to cope with emotional pain.

- Therapeutic Techniques:Grief counselling may incorporate therapeutic techniques to explore and process emotions, such as talking therapy,cognitive-behavioural therapy (I’m not a fan of CBT, btw), or other evidence-based approaches.

- Supportive Environment: The counselor provides a safe and supportive environment for the individual to express their grief, explore their thoughts and emotions, and work towards acceptance.

Grief Coaching

- Focus: Grief coaching is a bit more action-oriented and focuses on practical strategies and lifestyle changes to move forward after loss.

- Goal-Oriented: It often involves setting specific goals, making plans, and taking steps to create a positive impact on various aspects of life affected by grief.

- Empowerment and Presence: Grief coaching aims to empower individuals to make positive changes in their daily lives, such as establishing new routines, building resilience, and finding a sense of purpose. We’re there for the full range of emotions and process.

- Life Transition: It may address broader aspects of life transition, helping individuals navigate changes and build a new life following loss.

Some individuals may benefit from a combination of both approaches, depending on their unique needs and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between grief counselling and grief coaching depends on the individual's goals, the nature of their grief, and the type of support they find most helpful. In practice, the relationship and connection with your coach or counsellor is likely the biggest factor. Likewise, if it’s complicated grief, or grief that surfaces deep trauma it’s best to receive support from a counsellor/therapist with this clinical training.

In either approach, the full range of emotions and human condition are supported, held and accepted!