Discover Grief Recovery

The Grief Recovery Method® was developed by John W. James and Russell Friedman after their own deeply personal experiences with loss. What began as a search for healing became a practical, heart-centered process for emotional recovery—and eventually grew into the Grief Recovery Institute, founded over 45 years ago.

It is now the only evidence-based grief recovery program in the world. Since then, the Institute has trained thousands of Grief Recovery Specialists, each dedicated to helping people heal from a wide range of losses.

Grief is the natural and normal response to loss. It’s the pain—and often the conflicting feelings—that arise when something familiar, like a relationship, routine, or identity, changes or ends.

Grief is hard to put into words. It might feel heavy and exhausting, or show up as numbness, anger, or a quiet ache you can’t explain. You may feel disconnected, restless, or unable to focus.

At times, it’s like riding an emotional roller coaster—up one moment, down the next, with no clear path forward.

Grief lives in the heart, not the head. Logic might say you should be “over it,” but your heart knows something important has changed—and you’re hurting.

Grief is personal—a deeply individual experience. It’s not about what’s wrong with you—it’s about what’s unfinished or unspoken.

Loss is what happened—it’s the event. Grief is what you feel because of it, and how your heart responds.

Grief is your natural emotional reaction to what was lost.

Loss isn’t limited to death or divorce. In fact, the Grief Recovery Institute has identified more than 40 life experiences that can cause grief—many of which are often overlooked or minimized.

You might be grieving if you’ve experienced:

• Job loss or career changes

• Empty nest

• Changes in health (your own or a loved one’s)

• Moving or relocation

• Romantic breakups

• Estrangement from a parent, child, or friend

• Family conflict or disconnection

• Loss of a pet

• Retirement

• Miscarriage or infertility

• Loss of trust, safety, faith, or identity

• Unmet hopes, dreams, or expectations

• (And many others)

These kinds of losses are real and valid—and so is your grief.

Whether it’s recent or something you’ve carried quietly for years, you deserve support.

The program offers a structured, step-by-step approach to emotional healing, with personalized support along the way. Whether in one-on-one sessions or a group setting, I’ll guide you through reading and writing assignments designed to help you process your emotions and take meaningful action.

Through this work, you’ll:

• Learn the truth about grief—dispelling common myths and misconceptions

• Gain tools to better understand and navigate your emotions

• Identify and release the pain that’s been keeping you stuck

• Take small, powerful steps that lead to lasting change

• Move forward with greater peace, resilience, and emotional freedom

No. Grief Recovery is different from traditional therapy or counseling.

It’s a structured, action-based program designed specifically to help individuals process and heal emotional pain from loss. It provides clear steps to identify and complete unresolved grief, so you can move forward. 

While therapy often focuses on diagnosis and long-term mental health, Grief Recovery is short-term and focused—typically completed in just 7 sessions. It’s centered on emotional healing from specific losses, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

While the Grief Recovery process involves acknowledging your grief, you won’t be asked to repeatedly revisit or relive painful memories. Instead, we gently focus on identifying and releasing the unresolved emotions connected to those experiences—so you can heal without becoming overwhelmed by the past.

As a Grief Recovery Specialist, I’ll guide you through each step with care, creating a safe, supportive space where you can move through your grief at your own pace.

The program is designed to take 7 weeks to complete, with one session per week. Each session lasts about an hour. While the structure is consistent, the depth and flow of the work can be personalized based on your needs.

You’ll receive a book and weekly assignments that guide you through each step of the Grief Recovery Method®. In each session, we’ll review the reading, discuss your assignment, and go over any questions—moving at a pace that feels right for you.

I’ll also share from my own experiences with loss to gently guide the process and help you feel supported, understood, and never alone.

Sessions are confidential, compassionate, and tailored to the unique losses you’re carrying.

Yes! I offer group sessions for those who prefer a shared experience in a supportive and compassionate setting.

Even when participants have experienced similar losses, each person’s grief journey is uniquely their own. Group sessions create a safe, confidential space to connect, feel supported, and take meaningful steps toward healing—together, without comparison or pressure.

If you’re interested in joining, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to share details about upcoming groups.

Yes! The program can be done virtually, so you can receive support from anywhere. This flexibility allows you to continue your healing journey even if you’re not able to attend in person—whether due to location, scheduling, or personal preference.

Many clients describe a sense of emotional relief and freedom—feeling lighter, more empowered, and better prepared for whatever comes next. You’ll leave with tools you can use for future losses and a clearer understanding of how to navigate grief in a healthy, proactive way.

If you ever need continued support, follow-up sessions and refresher courses are available. I’m always here if you need guidance down the road.

Pricing varies depending on whether you choose one-on-one sessions or a group. I offer a free consultation to talk through your needs and help you find the best fit.

For detailed pricing, feel free to reach out—I can walk you through the options and answer any questions you may have.

I’ve been a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist since 2007, trained by founders John W. James and Russell Friedman at the Grief Recovery Institute—the only organization authorized to teach this method. With nearly two decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of guiding hundreds of individuals through this life-changing process.

My training equips me with the tools and structure to support you in a compassionate and individualized way. But beyond credentials, this work is deeply personal to me—I’ve lived it. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by grief and to wonder if healing is even possible. That insight, combined with years of hands-on experience, allows me to meet you where you are and guide you through the healing process with both practical support and genuine care.

The Grief Recovery Method® gave me hope during the hardest seasons of my life. It gave me the tools to face loss without fear and begin to heal with intention.

I still use these tools when new grief arises, and I’m honored to guide others through the same process. Helping people move from pain to emotional freedom is the most rewarding part of what I do.

Taking that first step can feel intimidating—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you feel stuck in your grief, overwhelmed by emotions, or unsure how to move forward, this program may be the support you’ve been looking for.

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain—especially when facing emotional work for the first time. That’s why I offer a free 20-minute chat where you can ask questions, share what you're carrying, and explore whether this feels like the right next step.

Grief Recovery is about more than just feeling better—it’s about honoring your pain, telling your story, and giving yourself permission to heal.

If you’ve tried other things and still feel stuck, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. You simply haven’t had the tools or support you needed—until now.

Whenever you’re ready, I’m here.