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Grief Coaching with Dr. Elizabeth

I provide 1:1 grief coaching to individuals at any stage of adulthood who are experiencing "normal" (i.e., uncomplicated*) grief stemming from loss or life transition. My fifteen years of specialized training and research in grief and loss, as well as nearly seven years supporting clients through loss and life transitions of many kinds, qualify me to coach people through these challenging experiences.

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Grief is a natural response to loss and it is normal for grief to resurface periodically for the rest of our lives after losing someone or something important to us. Thus, grief coaching does not aim to extinguish your grief, but to help you navigate this challenging experience by working with your natural process of grieving.​​

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As a former professor and researcher and as a lifelong learner, my approach is grounded in current empirical research on grief, loss, and coping processes. Together we will identify where you feel stuck and the shifts you'd like grief coaching to make for you, and will work together to develop a personalized and culturally responsive plan for reaching your goals.

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I am also available to meet for single consultation sessions or to present for your team, organization, or classroom. I am located in Washington, DC, and provide grief coaching to clients around the world. Continue reading below to learn more about how working with me in grief coaching can help.​​

Coaching Areas

Bereavement

Grief coaching can help individuals facing "normal" (i.e., uncomplicated) grief stemming from the death of a loved one or significant person.

Non-Death Loss

Non-death losses (NDLs) can include, but are not limited to, relationship loss, divorce, job loss, identity loss, and loss of hopes and dreams.

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Grief coaching can help non-bereaved individuals who are grieving NDLs, as well as bereaved individuals who are grieving the NDLs that accompany their bereavement.

Life Transitions

Life transitions can include, but are not limited to, career transition or retirement, becoming an empty nester, relocation, and shifts in roles, identities, and values.

Grief coaching may be helpful for you if...

  • You're functioning adequately but wish to function more optimally in the key areas of your life​

  • You're able to self-manage the emotions brought on by your loss, but would like to learn strategies for coping more constructively

  • You'd like to expand and diversify your grief coping toolbox

  • You feel unsure of how your loss fits into your broader life story

  • You feel unsure of how to rebuild your life after your loss

  • You'd like support in taking the next steps toward the future you want for yourself

  • You'd like support in adapting to new roles, routines, and identities following your loss

  • You'd like to find ways to make room for both grief and joy, contentedness, or inner peace

  • You'd like support establishing grief rituals and finding ways to maintain a symbolic bond with your loved one

  • You'd like objective, nonjudgmental grief guidance

  • You'd like a space that is fully yours to explore your grief

  • You'd like research-based information and resources on grief and what you might expect to experience after loss

  • You're a friend or loved one of someone who is grieving and would like to learn strategies for providing them with constructive support​

Grief coaching can facilitate the adjustment to your changed life after loss by helping you...

  • Tune into your natural resilience

  • Build on your strengths

  • Tap into your internal and external resources

  • Identify and employ constructive coping and self-care strategies​

Grief is an emotional, social, cultural, and, for some, spiritual process, and loss tends to abut a range of other common life experiences and transitions.

As such, grief coaching may also help some people...

  • Develop healthier relationships with others

  • Communicate more effectively or authentically

  • Navigate personal and professional challenges more constructively

  • Feel self-empowered to achieve greater personal fulfillment

  • Improve their relationship with themselves by helping them foster greater self-compassion, self-acceptance, and authenticity​

  • Access a degree of inner peace, contentedness, or joy

Note: Coaching and coaching consultations are not substitutes for counseling, psychotherapy, or any other form of mental healthcare or other professional advice by legal, medical, or other qualified professionals, and I am not yet a licensed mental health provider. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact 988 or your local emergency services.

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*Although complicated grief (CG; also termed Prolonged Grief Disorder [PGD]) is one of my research areas, counseling or psychotherapy, not coaching, is indicated for the treatment of CG/PGD. You are advised to seek diagnosis, treatment, and advice regarding medical or mental health conditions or illnesses from licensed physicians, therapists, or other licensed healthcare or mental healthcare providers.

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