Personal Journeys

The following include personal stories, as well as true stories from our clients that share about how they
have overcome the pain of grief and healed their broken hearts.

Hello, my name is Kerry Brill and I own Merit Real Estate in town as well as New Life Mortgage, Merit Property Management and Stickman Cattle. For the past 30+ years, my job was to solve the big problems that come up in my companies.  I figured I was pretty good until my father passed away in April of 2017.  I was overwhelmed with grief and spun out of control for months.  By the grace of God, I pulled myself back together and got back on track with life and my companies. 

Then an even more heart-breaking event happened.  My 21-year-old son committed suicide! He put a gun to his head and fired. I was the one who found him and I never knew I could feel so lost.  At this point, I knew I was in trouble along with my wife and family.  I decided we NEEDED help. 

We had heard of a woman named Crystal Givens who offered grief counseling and got in touch with her immediately. 

After speaking with her, we got onboard right away to begin some sort of healing process.  The thing that stood out the most in my first meeting was Crystal informed me she was not going to try to get inside my head. It was my heart that was broken.  This program was very impressive and hard! I almost quit twice but I am so glad I did not.  The grief recovery method is something that really works.  It is not a magic pill but it gives you a foundation to build on.  A place to start over again.  It has been over a year and my wife and I still have bad moments and days but we always go back to the book for help.  I was so impressed that I bought a case of the books and put Crystal’s card in them to hand out to people I know struggling with grief.  Several of my friends have gone to see her on my recommendation and I witness very real progress and relief from them after completing her course.  The book makes a statement that you will be ten times ahead of where you would be without this process.  I cannot imagine where I would be right now without it.

Go do this! Your life will be better for it!

Words cannot convey my feelings, best regards,

Kerry Brill

Crystal is an amazing and compassionate Grief Recovery Specialist.

My mom passed away suddenly in August 2023 and I knew I needed guidance if I didn’t want her passing to hang over me for the rest of my life. Finding Crystal was the best thing to happen to me in my grief recovery timeline. I can honestly say I didn’t think I’d be where I’m at in the grief process without Crystal’s expert guidance, listening, and emotional support.

The grief recovery method changed my life and Crystal has been by my side ever since.

Cannot recommend her enough if you’re struggling with incomplete feelings of grief. She will teach you the tools to aid you for the rest of your life. Thank you Crystal!

Elia Eisner

When I lost my job, I was not dealing with anything very well. It was mentioned to me in passing that I should talk with someone who had a big heart and was a good listener. 

Thanks to Crystal and her authentic concern and natural compassion, I learned so much more about myself and the urgent need to deal with my feelings since my life seemed to be quickly unraveling.

It turns out that the job loss was the final straw on the huge pile of pain I had been carrying all my life. The Grief Recovery Method helped me realize that every loss is different and what matters is becoming emotionally complete.  Long story short, if you want to feel better, talk to Crystal and do your homework! If your heart is broken, you really can recover. 

I feel lighter and can breathe easier.

I am calmer, more tolerant, less angry, and am conscious of what I tell my kids so they will not be misinformed. Words cannot express how much I appreciate the kindness, understanding, professionalism, and confidentiality that Crystal has shown me. 

Thank you forever –

KT

Crystal is truly one of a kind.

When I first heard of grief recovery, I have to admit, I was skeptical. My husband and I had just lost another baby, I was so overwhelmed with grief and at a loss of what to do. Knowing I had to try something, I put down my guard and tried out the work with Crystal. I am so thankful I did.

I feel a new sense of renewed energy and who I am as a person.

Crystal has worked with me through so much more than just the loss of our daughter. She has helped me overcome childhood traumas, relationship challenges and all the caveats of the long lasting effects trauma can have on a person. I feel more in tune with my body and emotions, more aware of others emotions and for the first time in my life feel comfortable setting boundaries to protect myself and those around me. Forever thankful to Crystal for her heart and willingness to help others.

Bre Rinkema

I'm not sure I have ever met a more empathetic, compassionate or caring person than Crystal.

I was fortunate enough to cross Crystal's path after my wife had passed away suddenly and then my grandmother 3 days later. I was lost, didn't know where to turn or what to do with myself. I was working with Crystal's husband, Greg, on my wife's legal case after she passed away and he told me about the things that Crystal did and how she inspires healing. I'll admit, I was skeptical after having gone through tons of therapy and what I thought was coming to terms with everything that had happened. I went to a Seminar put on by Crystal, an introduction to the Grief Recovery Method and how to cope during the holidays and at that moment things changed for me; I decided to give it a try. I did the group sessions and it was absolutely amazing! Knowing that I was not alone in my grief and that others were also struggling quickly formed an unforgettable bond.

Tears, laughs, anger, sadness are common themes in grief but during these sessions I finally felt hope-hope that things will indeed get better. Crystal guides you through your personal grief journey but it's ultimately up to you to complete it. It is "heart" work and can be difficult, however, I have never been so thankful that I did. Crystal has helped me through my grief with her compassion and willingness to help others. In addition, these sessions are not just isolated occurrences. What you learn with the Grief Recovery Method is that you may utilize these skills if other things arise in your life.

These skills last a lifetime and I can honestly say, Crystal is a true life saver.

Please, if you're having any trouble with grief or loss in your life, turn to Crystal Givens.

DEVON CACY

I participated in the one-on-one grief recovery with Crystal Givens. 

To say it was life changing, would be an understatement. 

I lost my 20 year old son to an aggressive driver just over one year ago. Since that nightmarish loss, I have struggled at the highest level to adjust and live.  One thing I learned through this program is that we, as western culture and society, are vastly ill equipped to effectively handle grief! Crystal is nothing short of a master at what she does, and I was able to face things, head on, in a way I never could have. She is brilliant, empathic and armed with the most revolutionary material ever put together to help those who have suffered loss.  EVERYONE has loss, but very few ever handle or resolve the most debilitating components of it. Take this program and let Crystal be your guide as you find your way back to living well.

BOB LANDRY

Letters from Crystal

on grief and loss