We offer a range of specialized services tailored to meet your individual needs. Our approach is focused on understanding and responding to what you require, providing effective and practical solutions. We coach from a Biblical Worldview.

First some scriptures dealing with grief and the promise for grieving Christians:

Isaiah 53:3-4 (NKJV)

³He is despised and rejected by men,A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

⁴Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;Yet we esteemed Him stricken,Smitten by God, and afflicted.

John 11:25-26 (NKJV)

²⁵Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶“And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NKJV)

¹³But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

⁴“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Stages of Grief 

The most widely known stages of grief, as identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These are not linear steps, but a framework of emotions that people may experience after a loss. 

• • Denial:

    A state of shock and disbelief that helps a person cope with the immediate pain of a loss. This can manifest as a feeling that nothing is real, or acting as if everything is normal. 

     
  • Anger:

    Once the reality of the loss sinks in, anger can surface. It may be directed at oneself, others, a higher power, or the deceased. 

     

• Bargaining:

  This stage involves the need to regain control through "if only" or "what if" statements. People may promise to change their behavior in exchange for the loss being reversed. 

   

• Depression:

  A period of deep sadness and despair as the full weight of the loss is realized. This can include feelings of hopelessness and a lack of motivation. 

   

• Acceptance:

  This is not about being "okay" with the loss, but rather coming to terms with its reality and finding a way to move forward. It is a stage of learning to live with the new normal.

   

Grief and Lost Coaching

Grief and loss coaching is a supportive, action-oriented process that helps individuals navigate the challenges of significant loss to find a way forward and rebuild their lives. It differs from therapy by being future-focused, client-driven, and assuming the client is healthy but struggling to move forward. Coaches provide practical tools, structure, and emotional support for various types of loss, including the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or a chronic illness diagnosis. 

How it works

• Focus on the future: Unlike therapy, which often explores past issues, grief coaching focuses on your present state and helps you create a "blueprint" for the future you want to build.
• Action-oriented: Coaches help you set goals and provide a strategic, personalized plan to move from where you are now to where you want to be.
• Practical tools: You can expect to receive emotional support and practical tools to cope with the challenges of grief, such as processing feelings, creating new routines, and developing self-care strategies.
• Non-diagnostic: Coaching does not diagnose mental disorders, but rather provides support and guidance for personal growth and self-management after a loss. 

Types of loss addressed

Grief coaches help with a wide range of losses, including:

• Personal loss: Death of a loved one or pet.
• Relationship loss: Divorce or breakups.
• Professional loss: Job loss, career changes, or retirement.
• Health-related loss: Chronic illness or disability.
• Material loss: Home or financial setbacks.

Key differences from grief therapy

FeatureGrief CoachingGrief TherapyFocusFuture-oriented: "What's next?"Past-oriented: "Why?" and exploring unresolved feelingsApproachAction-focused, client-objective-drivenEmotion-focused, therapist-objective-drivenClient StateAssumes the client is healthy and focused on personal growthTreats and diagnoses mental disordersCommitmentFlexible, can be short-termOften a long-term commitmentRequirementsA desire to help and personal experience can be valuableAdvanced degrees and state licensure are required

Grief and Lost Coaching in the Black Community 

Grief and loss coaching is a supportive, action-oriented process that helps individuals navigate the challenges of significant loss to find a way forward and rebuild their lives. It differs from therapy by being future-focused, client-driven, and assuming the client is healthy but struggling to move forward. Coaches provide practical tools, structure, and emotional support for various types of loss, including the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or a chronic illness diagnosis. 

How it works

• Focus on the future: Unlike therapy, which often explores past issues, grief coaching focuses on your present state and helps you create a "blueprint" for the future you want to build.
• Action-oriented: Coaches help you set goals and provide a strategic, personalized plan to move from where you are now to where you want to be.
• Practical tools: You can expect to receive emotional support and practical tools to cope with the challenges of grief, such as processing feelings, creating new routines, and developing self-care strategies.
• Non-diagnostic: Coaching does not diagnose mental disorders, but rather provides support and guidance for personal growth and self-management after a loss. 

Types of loss addressed

Grief coaches help with a wide range of losses, including:

• Personal loss: Death of a loved one or pet.
• Relationship loss: Divorce or breakups.
• Professional loss: Job loss, career changes, or retirement.
• Health-related loss: Chronic illness or disability.
• Material loss: Home or financial setbacks.

Key differences from grief therapy

FeatureGrief CoachingGrief TherapyFocusFuture-oriented: "What's next?"Past-oriented: "Why?" and exploring unresolved feelingsApproachAction-focused, client-objective-drivenEmotion-focused, therapist-objective-drivenClient StateAssumes the client is healthy and focused on personal growthTreats and diagnoses mental disordersCommitmentFlexible, can be short-termOften a long-term commitmentRequirementsA desire to help and personal experience can be valuableAdvanced degrees and state licensure are required.

Grief and Lost due to mental illness

Living with a spouse who has a mental health condition can bring about unique and profound forms of grief for the partner, often while the spouse is still alive. This experience is often referred to as ambiguous or anticipatory grief, where the partner mourns the loss of the relationship as it was and the future they had planned, even while still fulfilling the role of a loving spouse. 

The nature of grief in the relationship

This type of grief is complex and can manifest in several ways. 

• Loss of the original relationship: A partner may grieve the loss of the person they knew before the mental illness became prominent. The mental health condition can alter the spouse's personality, interests, and emotional availability, creating an emotional distance that can be deeply painful for the partner.
• Loss of shared dreams: The life the couple envisioned together—travel, retirement, or simple future plans—may be compromised or lost entirely. Grieving these lost hopes is a normal and valid part of the process.
• Shifting roles and identity: The partner without a mental illness often assumes a caregiver role, taking on more household, financial, or parenting responsibilities. This change can lead to the loss of their identity as an equal partner and the grief of no longer having a balanced, reciprocal relationship.
• Emotional disconnection and loneliness: The symptoms of a mental illness can make emotional engagement difficult for the affected spouse, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness for the partner. 

Emotional and psychological effects on the partner

The partner's grief can be accompanied by a range of intense emotions. 

• Anger and resentment: A partner may feel angry at the illness, the situation, or even the spouse for their struggles, especially when responsibilities fall unequally.
• Guilt: The partner may feel guilty for feeling frustrated, for needing a break, or for wishing things were different. This guilt can prevent them from acknowledging and addressing their own needs.
• Anxiety and stress: Caring for a spouse with an unpredictable mental illness can be intensely stressful, leading to heightened anxiety and a feeling of walking on eggshells. Spouses of individuals with severe mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, are at an especially high risk for their own mental health issues.
• Fear: The unaffected partner may fear for their spouse's well-being or worry about the future, especially if the illness is serious. 

How to cope with grief and loss

Navigating this unique form of grief requires active and intentional strategies. 

• Seek personal support. It is vital to find support for yourself, separate from your role as a partner or caregiver. This can include:
  • Individual therapy: A therapist can provide a confidential, non-judgmental space to process your feelings of grief, loss, and resentment.
  • Support groups: Joining a support group like those offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can connect you with other people in similar situations. Sharing experiences and learning from others can reduce feelings of isolation.
• Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about your spouse's mental health condition from credible sources. Understanding the illness can help you separate the person from the symptoms, reduce frustration, and avoid personalizing their behavior.
• Practice self-care. Taking care of your own physical and mental health is not selfish; it is essential to prevent caregiver burnout. Make time for hobbies, exercise, proper sleep, and maintain your social connections.
• Communicate openly. Maintain honest and empathetic communication with your spouse. If you need a break or are feeling overwhelmed, talk about it constructively. Avoid placing blame and focus on working together to navigate the challenges.
• Maintain connection outside the illness. Make a conscious effort to focus on aspects of your relationship outside of the mental illness. Continuing shared hobbies and traditions can strengthen your bond and serve as a reminder of your love for each other, even when things are difficult.
• Consider couples counseling. A professional counselor can help you and your spouse improve communication, set boundaries, and address relationship issues in a healthy, neutral space. 

Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):Offers support groups and educational resources for families and partners of individuals with mental health conditions.
• Mental Health America: Provides resources and information on grief, mental health conditions, and how to find support.
• Family Caregiver Alliance: Specializes in supporting family caregivers and provides resources for dealing with burnout and emotional stress. 

Grief and Lost due to Violence 

Grief from violence can be overwhelming and may involve not just the loss of a person, but also the loss of safety, trust, and control, leading to shock, fear, anger, and numbness. To cope, it is helpful to process these feelings by talking to trusted individuals, engaging in self-care like exercise and journaling, and finding ways to honor the deceased, while seeking professional support if the grief becomes complicated or persistent. 

Emotional and mental reactions

• Shock and numbness: It is common to feel numb or unable to feel emotions, and to struggle with disbelief about what happened.
• Fear and anxiety: You may experience fear, anxiety, or have trouble trusting others and feeling safe.
• Anger: Intense rage toward the perpetrator or a general sense of anger is a very common reaction.
• Difficulty concentrating: It may be hard to focus, concentrate on work, or even stop thinking about the traumatic event.
• Disorientation: The event may shake your sense of normalcy, and you may grieve the loss of what life was like before. 

Physical reactions

• Crying: You may cry frequently or have difficulty stopping.
• Physical symptoms: You might experience physical reactions like an upset stomach, trembling, or a pounding heart.
• Fatigue: Feeling very tired or having trouble sleeping and experiencing nightmares can occur. 

Coping with grief after violence

• Seek safety: Prioritize feeling safe and comfortable before you begin to process your grief.
• Talk to others: Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or other survivors to help ease the burden. It can be helpful to connect with people who have similar experiences, such as other survivors of community violence.
• Maintain routines: Stay connected to your daily routines like exercising, eating healthy meals, and doing things you used to enjoy, even if you don't feel like it at first.
• Process your feelings: Give yourself permission to feel sad and cry, but also allow yourself to feel moments of joy. Journaling or creating a peaceful space for yourself can help process your emotions.
• Honor your loved one: Create rituals or ceremonies to remember and honor the person you lost, such as building a memorial or holding a vigil.

Seek professional help: If you are struggling to cope, it is important to consider talking with a doctor or a counselor who specializes in grief, trauma, or victims' services. 

Mental Health Coach responsibilities in suicides

A board-certified mental coach has a critical and distinct role regarding suicide: they are trained to recognize warning signs, provide immediate support, and refer the individual to a licensed mental health professional. A mental coach cannot, and should not, treat or diagnose suicidal ideation, which falls outside their scope of practice. 

Role of a mental coach in relation to suicide

• Identification of risk: A mental coach is trained to spot potential indicators of suicide risk, including direct statements about suicide, feelings of hopelessness, severe emotional distress, or significant changes in behavior.
• Crisis intervention: If a client discloses suicidal thoughts, a mental coach's primary role is not to provide therapy, but to follow emergency protocols. This involves helping the person feel heard and safe while a referral to a crisis hotline or professional is made. Some programs, like Advanced Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASSIST), give coaches a framework for keeping at-risk individuals safe in the moment.
• Immediate referral: The coach must immediately refer a client with suicidal ideation to a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. A licensed professional is qualified to conduct a proper suicide risk assessment and provide clinical treatment.
• Reinforcing recovery: For a client receiving clinical treatment for suicidal ideation, a mental coach can work alongside the licensed professional. They can offer ongoing support to help the client practice and apply coping strategies learned in therapy and build resilience during the recovery phase.
• Education and prevention: Coaches play a vital role in suicide prevention through awareness and education. By destigmatizing mental health and encouraging open discussion, they help create a supportive environment. Training programs also help them recognize the warning signs of suicide and understand the importance of early intervention. 

Suicide Prevention Coaching

Suicide prevention coaching is a specialized form of coaching that equips individuals, often in non-clinical roles (e.g., managers, teachers, peer supporters, community members), with the skills to recognize warning signs of suicide, offer initial support, and refer individuals at risk to appropriate professional care and resources. 

Key Aspects

• Focus: It is a proactive, preventative approach focused on providing immediate support and connecting individuals in crisis with professional help. It emphasizes building resilience, enhancing coping skills, and promoting overall mental well-being to prevent issues from escalating to a crisis point.
• Role of the "Coach": Individuals trained in suicide prevention (often called "gatekeepers") are not typically licensed mental health professionals, but rather people strategically positioned in the community or workplace to spot and help those at risk. They act as a bridge to formal mental health services.
• Methodology: Training programs, such as Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), teach evidence-based techniques like:
  • Questioning a person about their feelings and intentions in a compassionate, direct, and non-judgmental way.
  • Persuading them to seek help and stay safe.
  • Referring them to appropriate support services, such as mental health professionals, crisis hotlines (like 988), or emergency medical centers.
• Scope: Unlike therapy or counseling, which involve diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, coaching does not aim to provide clinical treatment or delve into deep-rooted trauma. A suicide prevention coach works within their scope of practice and knows when to refer a client to a licensed professional for clinical assessment and care.
• Goals: The primary goal is to interrupt the immediate crisis, ensure safety through measures like safety planning and reducing access to lethal means, and facilitate a smooth transition to ongoing professional care and support. 

In essence, suicide prevention coaching is about empowering the general public and non-clinical professionals with the practical skills to intervene effectively during a mental health crisis and help save a life. 

Trauma Informed Coaching