Bereavement, Loss & Disenfranchised Grief Services
Whether you experienced a loss or are anticipating one, I am here to support you. As a therapist, I help clients enlarge their capacity for grief, help facilitate their ability to cope with their loss and join with them in their beliefs to a place of comfort, peace and hope in the face of the complex mysteries of life.
The ‘Butterfly’ Philosophy: Life Giving & Hopeful Model
Grief is a normal process, often requiring a turning inward to a place of sadness, anxiety and confusion… but it is not an illness. Like the butterfly cocoon, grief is part of the natural cycle of life that offers opportunity for growth, hope and profound transformation.
Looking inward (“cocooning”) we tend to our grief as we strive to regain our purpose, explore the meaning of life and form a new relationship and connection to our loved ones who have died.
As therapists, we provide a safe place for our clients’ journey by walking beside them, honoring the mystery and facilitate the search for meaning.
A person is changed forever by the death of a loved one.
Disenfranchised Grief
Loss can be especially challenging when it is not acknowledged by society. This is called “disenfranchised grief” and it may include suicide, abortion, stillborn & miscarriages, loss of a pet or friend, family trauma & generational wounding, loss of relationships, home displacement and loss of identity.
These losses often lead to depression, anxiety and isolation.
I hold a safe space and offer tools for clients who feel that their grief is either not recognized or “too taboo” to speak about with others; That their grief is valid and needs tending to with mindfulness and compassion.
Grief Groups
Our grief groups offer a communal sense of belonging for children, teens and adults to find the support they need from others who have also experienced the death of someone close. Through compassionate care, our goal is to increase self-awareness, learn dynamic ways of dealing with the grief process and present a commonality of member’s needs and emotional expression in a safe and comforting place.
See Groups.
Professional Development and Outreach Support
If you are a therapist, health care provider, business owner/ manager or have a particular group you feel would benefit from learning more about grief and loss, contact us for individual or group training. We are also available at our office or at your business site to provide loss and grief support to agencies who are experiencing a traumatic event.
See Professional Trainings and Services
Grief & Loss Resources
This section contains a rich treasure trove of resources on death, dying and grief to help you and/or your loved ones experiencing grief & loss in all its forms. Find the latest books, articles, organizations, materials, links and research focusing on this complex subject.