What is grief coaching?

Navigating significant losses in life with professional support: Understanding the role and focus of grief coaching.

When hearing the words grief coaching, many people immediately think of bereavement. And while that certainly is part of it, grief coaching encompasses much more. Grief coaching is a form of support that is specifically meant for individuals who are experiencing grief as a result of significant life changes. Significant life changes can include many things such as losing a loved one or a relationship, losing a job or identity, or a combination of several types of losses.

“Grief coaching is a form of support that is specifically meant for individuals who are experiencing grief as a result of significant life changes.”

The role of a grief coach is to help clients cope with the emotional and practical challenges that arise from their loss and offer tools and resources to help clients manage their grief and move forward in their lives.

The focus of a grief coach

The focus of a grief coach may vary depending on the needs and circumstances of the client, but some common areas include the following:

• Providing emotional support: A grief coach listens and provides emotional support to the client, offering a safe and non-judgmental space to express their feelings and process their grief.

• Helping clients understand the grieving process: Grief coaching can help clients understand different ways of grieving and what to expect during the grieving process.

• Developing coping strategies: A grief coach aims to help clients to develop coping strategies that work for them, such as mindfulness practices, journaling, or self-care routines.

• Finding meaning and purpose to shape the future: Grief coaching can help clients find meaning and purpose in their life after their loss by exploring their values, goals, and passions.

Overall, as a grief coach, I offer clients compassionate and customised support while they navigate the complex and often overwhelming experience of grief.