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.
“The grief recovery method is
something that really works.”
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… 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!
Kerry Brill
“If your heart is broken, you
really can recover.”
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
I originally began meeting with Crystal in 2019 after the loss of my grandfather. I believe that I would not be the same person I am today without her guidance through the Grief Recovery program.
This month my grandfather's counterpart and my maternal figure, my grandmother passed away. I am now going through the recovery workbook on my own and I have the tools and prior guidance from Crystal to be confident in my self work. If you are struggling with loss of any kind, I highly recommend Crystal. Also, I studied the Grief Recovery program in college and am confident how it can help grievers. Anyone can benefit from this Program! Take it from a life-long griever: Crystal Givens with Ebb and Flow, COS can help!
TJ Huffmaster
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
“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
“Crystal is wonderful.”
After experiencing a devastating loss this year, I knew I had to start processing it in a real way. What I didn’t know is that I had other grief and loss to be dealt with as well which helped me deal with my most current one. Crystal is that rare counselor that truly wants to empower you to be resilient against future loss and grief. If you are dealing with any type of grief, loss or just feeling emotionally stuck on something, I can’t recommend her enough! What are you waiting for? Get your life back!
Brett Solon
“She taught us new and healthy ways on how to process and recover from our grief…”
Crystal is the most empathetic person and the best listener that I have ever met! My family and I started working with her shortly after the tragic death of my son. She taught us new and healthy ways on how to process and recover from our grief and walked with us every step of the way. Several years later when my marriage fell apart, I sought Crystal’s help again. I cannot thank Crystal enough for helping heal my broken heart! Thank you Crystal!
Margi Bellingham
“I was able to… find healing from my losses.”
I received Crystal’s number from my employer. I called her several days later. I was expecting to call, make an appointment, and then wait for a call back. Little did I know Crystal was going to jump right in and I am so glad she did! Crystal made me feel comfortable and spoke to me about my experiences in a way that made sense. I was able to share my feelings with her and find healing from my losses. I am so grateful that I took the opportunity to work with Crystal!
CH
“…my grief recovery experience with Crystal was absolutely life changing.”
My emotional pain had become all consuming and I was no longer able to cope. I had tried counseling several times and many different therapies, but never found any relief. Then I was referred to Ebb and Flow and my grief recovery experience with Crystal was absolutely life changing. I was finally able to complete my grief, release the painful emotions and recover. Since I had such a radical transformation, my children and husband also wanted to try it.
We all are feeling so much better!
I highly recommend this very special healing modality.
Monica Catanach
“This support group truly helped me…”
Grief comes in all sorts of ways and hits you at the most inopportune times, therefore you need something to help you when it does. This support group truly helped me recognize the grief I was keeping inside me and helped me to deal with my painful emotions in a positive, healthy way. Crystal is a wonderful mediator of your feelings, showing nothing but love and acceptance, she encourages you to find that for yourself too! I highly recommend this grief recovery course for anyone who has experienced any type of life altering loss.
Trudi Pruett
“Working with Crystal changed my life.
I learned about grief and how to process all the pain I was feeling. Grief and loss has to be the hardest thing we deal with as humans. This program aids the whole grief process tremendously. I gained a lot of healthy perspectives. Truly, truly worth it!”
Levi Guthrie
“I feel a new sense of renewed energy
and who I am as a person.”
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
“Ebb and Flow has been so amazing for me and for my life.”
Crystal taught me skills that I could never have achieved on my own. I am so happy we made this happen! Thank you Crystal!
Christina Wanko
“Working with Crystal Givens was one of the best decisions I have made.”
I was struggling with loss and grief and knew that I needed help and support. The grief recovery method that Crystal teaches really works. Her compassion, understanding and knowledge made the process so comfortable. I highly recommend Ebb and Flow.
Deb Muir
“This process saved me and finally allowed me to rediscover peace within my heart.”
When I reached the lowest point of my life in 2024, happiness seemed impossible. Despite years of talk therapy, I remained overwhelmed by painful emotions. The loss of my father and my mother's diagnosis with dementia in 2020 had shattered my heart. Beyond this deep personal grief, I struggled with how dramatically the world had changed that year, creating a stark contrast between my life before and after.
I tried everything to release this sadness—drinking, exercising, reading, creating art, building friendships—yet still felt broken. The grief affected every aspect of my life: my relationship with my partner suffered, I couldn't secure employment in Colorado Springs, and I felt profoundly sad and lost.
The turning point came at a wedding when I broke down in tears during the mother-son dance, painfully aware I would never experience this moment with my own mother. A caring friend suggested grief counseling, which led me to Ebb and Flow COS—a business specializing in grief recovery methods.
Working with Crystal at Ebb and Flow truly transformed my life. She helped me understand that closure is possible not only in relationships with parents and loved ones but also with challenges like addiction and financial struggles. Crystal provided the safe space I desperately needed to share my grief, receive empathy, exchange stories, and feel truly heard.
This process saved me and finally allowed me to rediscover peace within my heart. I hadn't realized how deeply I needed someone to witness my grief journey with compassion and understanding.
If you're experiencing similar feelings of profound isolation and loss, I wholeheartedly recommend working with Crystal. Her approach to grief recovery offers a path forward when it seems impossible to find one.
Leah Gonzales