Navigating Loss: Understanding the Difference Between Grief Therapy and Grief Coaching
At some point in time, everyone is going to experience grief in some way. From the loss of a job to the death of a loved one, grief can hit hard and often unexpected. As a grief therapist and coach, I also know that it can be one of the most transformative experiences when given the right support. Today, however, that can be done in two different ways: grief therapy and grief coaching, both with unique approaches. I want to help you understand the differences so that you can make the most informed decision regarding your healing journey.
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy is often the first line of defense, which allows for a specialized form of counseling that focuses on helping you cope with and navigate the complex emotions associated with grief. Oftentimes, a grief therapist will offer different modalities, like talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy, to help facilitate healing.
“Should I see a Grief Therapist?”
If you want any support at all from a professional to get you through the hard experience at loss, at any stage
When You’re Struggling with Other Mental Health Challenges. Often, grief comes paired with other struggles, like trauma, anxiety, and depression. When these issues are in the mix, it can be helpful to work with a mental health professional/grief therapist who can help you find healthy ways to cope and manage your symptoms. It’s possible that you’ll need different modalities than Grief Coaching can offer, and that’s best to do with a licensed therapist.
If you’re feeling isolated and alone, and it feels like all of your support is either no longer helpful or has dwindled.
If you are also ruminating or find yourself circling the woulda/coulda/shouldas, it would be helpful to be able to talk with a professional who can help you break these cycles and patterns.
Grief Coaching
While grief therapy is best for someone with a recent loss and who has experienced trauma, grief coaching is best for someone who is ready to move forward. A grief coach will help you set grief-informed goals, build coping strategies, and create a safe, new way of being you in the world.
“Should I see a Grief Coach?”
When you’re looking for short-term, grief-informed goals for moving forward
If you are feeling strong enough to look inward and begin to find beauty, purpose, and fulfillment in life again.
When you’re looking for coping strategies for your continued growth or for getting through reawakened grief, that can come with holidays, birthdays, and days of meaning.
Do You Want to Know Which Is Right For You?
If you’re wondering which is right for you, grief therapy or grief coaching, know that you’re in a good place. The very fact that you’re ready and seeking support is incredibly important. The answer to this question is dependent on a few variables, like the nature of the loss you experienced, any current or previous struggles, the presence of trauma, and your own goals. The best way to think about it is to ask yourself this question: Am I ready to move forward, or do I need some more time? If you’re ready to move forward, grief coaching is a good next step for you. If you still need more time, that’s understandable, and a grief therapist can support you.
Still not sure? Take my free quiz by clicking here.
As a grief therapist and coach, I’m just incredibly proud of you for understanding your need for support and your desire to find the right next choice for you in your healing journey. I know this isn’t an easy walk, but you definitely don’t have to do it alone. Whichever path you choose, you deserve to have the best support as you work toward a new way of being yourself and finding hope on the other side of your loss.
If you’re in New York and are interested in grief therapy, click here.
If you’re ready to move forward and want support through Grief Coaching, click here.
