Experiencing a significant loss can feel disorienting. The intensity of the pain can leave many people feeling overwhelmed and wondering what to do. A grief coach can come alongside you in those next steps by offering tailored support, creating space for you to process your pain and encouraging your active role in the healing journey.
A grief coach provides tailored support for your grieving “style.”
Since everyone grieves differently, it can be difficult to find someone who can support you in the ways you need. For this reason, grievers can sometimes feel alone. Exploring your grieving “’style” with a grief coach is a tailored approach that can be quite helpful. This knowledge informs both you and the coach about what your needs really are. In turn, your grief coach can help you brainstorm the right goals and offer relevant homework or activities.
In addition, accepting how you grieve can put you at ease, help you lean into your unique grieving process and have compassion for yourself. More importantly, understanding your grieving style can give you confidence to express yourself in ways that are more natural and effective for you.
A grief coach creates a safe space for you to process your pain.
Facing the pain of grief is often scary. It may seem easier to avoid difficult emotions. The truth is, when you give yourself permission to feel and express big emotions, the sooner those emotions will lessen. Otherwise, you may be at risk for becoming “stuck” in the grieving process, which may affect your everyday functioning. (In this case, a grief coach may need to refer you to a licensed mental health professional).
And so, consider each grief coaching session as a gift you give yourself – a time set aside for allowing yourself to process your pain. As you do so, a grief coach will offer you a safe, nonjudgmental space where all of your emotions are OK. A grief coach will be fully present with you as an active listener and a thought partner as you fully experience the pain of your loss.
A grief coach encourages you to take an active role in your growth and healing.
In the book, “The Grieving Brain” Mary-Frances O’Connor describes the grieving brain as a learning brain. After loss, our brains are learning to adjust to a wide variety of changes. Our brains are also learning how to reinvest in our future without our loved one (or what was lost). Moving through these adjustments in a healthy way involves our intentional choices and our patience. While it is painful, we can experience growth and healing over time with the right support. Going at your pace, a grief coach can gently encourage you to take an active role in problem-solving as you navigate the changes you are experiencing.
Finally, after a significant loss, it is important to find the right support so you can walk the path of grief in a fruitful way. A grief coach can help you understand your unique experience and expression of grief. The sacred space of a grief coaching session can allow you to feel safe in processing your emotions. And, as your brain learns to adapt to change, your grief coach will encourage you every step of the way. -Jodi Wheat, CPLC
Jodi has a Bachelor's Degree in Ministry & Leadership from Life Pacific University and is a Board-Certified Professional Life Coach. Jodi holds certificates in Professional Life Coaching, Trauma Informed Coaching and Grief & Loss Coaching. To inquire about working with Jodi as a Grief Coach, please email info@walkingthepathcoaching.com.