By Lynn Lewis, Visionary and Chief Empathy Officer for Destined To Thrive Grief Coaching
In case you’re wondering how I know grief coaching can help you navigate your journey, it’s because of my lived experience. My most profound loss and grief journey began on August 4, 2019—the day my son passed away.
Loss and grief make their way into our lives, usually uninvited and unannounced. They are inevitable parts of the human experience. But before I share how grief coaching can support you, let’s first explore the concepts of loss and grief.
Loss occurs when you are deprived of—or no longer have access to—someone or something you deeply love or care about. It could be the physical absence of a person due to death, divorce, or separation. But loss also arises from experiences like serious illness, career transitions, or even a shift in identity.
Grief is the natural, normal, and necessary emotional response to loss. It’s multifaceted and unpredictable, ebbing and flowing like the ocean. Grief is not linear, meaning it doesn’t follow a straight path—and it certainly has no expiration date. Every grief journey is as unique as your DNA. And that’s where grief coaching comes in—it can provide powerful, personalized support through the process.
What Is Grief Coaching?
Grief coaching is a form of emotional support—similar to life coaching—but focused specifically on helping individuals process and navigate the challenges they face after a significant loss. While life coaching typically centers on mindset, productivity, and goal-setting, grief coaching gently guides clients from pain and heartbreak toward peace and healing using actionable steps, reflective questions, and forward-focused strategies.
Who Should Work with a Grief Coach?
The best time to work with a grief coach is when you’ve acknowledged your loss, are ready to move forward, but don’t know how. It’s for those who recognize they can’t change what happened—but can choose how they respond and what comes next. If you’re someone who lacks a strong support system, or you simply want nonjudgmental guidance from someone who understands, grief coaching might be for you.
What Are the Benefits of Working with a Grief Coach?
Here are just a few ways grief coaching can support you:
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A safe, nonjudgmental space to express emotions freely—without fear or shame
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Compassionate listening and support that helps you discover what you need
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Coping tools and healing activities tailored to your unique type of loss
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Guidance on how to respond (or not respond) to well-meaning but hurtful platitudes
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Insight into the complex emotions associated with grief
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A focus on self-love, self-care, and setting boundaries while grieving
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Shifting focus from the loss itself to navigating life after the loss
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Rebuilding confidence and gaining clarity about how to move forward
Grief coaching is not about “moving on” or forgetting. It’s about moving forward—toward a meaningful, impactful, and purposeful life, despite your loss.
Shortly after my son’s death, I made a conscious declaration: I would not be consumed by it. I didn’t yet know how I would survive that pain, but I was determined to live a life of purpose. Research and prayer led me to grief coaching, and it remains an essential part of how I continue to navigate my grief journey.
About the Author
Lynn Lewis is a Certified Grief Educator, speaker, author, and the Visionary & Chief Empathy Officer of Destined To Thrive Grief Coaching. After the devastating loss of her son in August 2019, Lynn made a conscious choice to live boldly in the “aftermath”—refusing to let grief consume her.
She now shares her story widely through her signature message, “I Choose to Live in the Aftermath,” highlighting the power of self-love, intentional healing, and daily resilience. Lynn helps adults who are ready to move forward and create meaningful lives—even after loss.
To learn more, visit www.destinedtothrivegriefcoaching.com
