What Does a Grief Life Coach Do—and How Can It Help You Heal?

By Naomi M. | Purple Phoenix Wellness 

Grief is not something to “get over.” It’s something we learn to carry, honour, and transform. But often, people find themselves alone in the process, unsure where to turn for support that feels both practical and compassionate. That’s where a grief life coach comes in. You may have heard the term and wondered—how is that different from a therapist? Or a support group? What exactly does a grief coach do? Let me walk you through it.

What Is a Grief Life Coach?

A grief life coach is a compassionate guide who helps you navigate loss in a way that is forward-focused, heart-centered, and supportive of your unique journey. Whether you're grieving the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a health diagnosis, a job loss, or even a shift in identity—grief coaching meets you right where you are.

Unlike therapy, which often focuses on diagnosis and deep processing of past trauma, grief coaching is not clinical. It’s about creating a safe space for reflection, planning, empowerment, and growth—without rushing or forcing you to "move on."

As a grief life coach, my role is to:

  • Walk beside you through your grief, without judgment or agenda

  • Help you understand and normalize your emotional experience

  • Create meaningful rituals and practices for remembrance or closure

  • Explore life transitions, identity shifts, or next steps after loss

  • Support you in setting goals or intentions when you feel ready

  • Integrate spiritual or energetic support (Reiki, breathwork, meditation, etc.) if aligned

Coaching vs. Traditional Therapy: What's the Difference?

Both grief coaching and therapy have value—but they serve different purposes. Here's a gentle breakdown:

Grief Life Coaching:

  • Focuses on the present & future
  • Action- and goal-oriented
  • Provides support through change and transitions
  • Sessions may include spiritual, somatic, or energy work
  • Great for when you're feeling stuck, lost, or needing direction

Therapy/Counseling:

  • Often explores the past, trauma, and deep psychological wounds
  • Insight- and healing-focused
  • Provides diagnosis, clinical treatment, or mental health care
  • Licensed to address mental illness, trauma, and crisis response
  • Ideal for when you're experiencing overwhelming distress, PTSD, depression, or complex trauma

Grief coaching can complement therapy beautifully, and many of my clients work with both. Coaching becomes a bridge between where you are and where you want to be—emotionally, spiritually, and practically.

When Might You Work With a Grief Life Coach?

You don’t need to have lost a loved one recently to benefit from grief coaching. You might consider this kind of support if:

  • You feel like you’re “stuck” in your grief, unsure of what’s next

  • You’re navigating a major life change, identity shift, or transition

  • You want to remember or honour someone in a meaningful way

  • You’re tired of being told to “move on” and need safe space to feel

  • You’re overwhelmed by emotions, but don’t necessarily need therapy

  • You’re ready to rebuild, reimagine, or reconnect with your life—but want to do it slowly and with heart

What Makes My Approach Different?

At Purple Phoenix Wellness, I approach grief as a sacred process—not something to fix, but something to hold. I bring together my experience as a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Life Coach, Forest Therapy Guide, and Death Doula candidate to support you from multiple layers: energetic, emotional, spiritual, and somatic.

My sessions may include:

  • Gentle conversation and deep listening

  • Guided breathwork or meditation

  • Rituals or journaling prompts to support memory, release, or growth

  • Reiki energy healing to calm the nervous system and release stored grief

  • Nature-based healing, seasonal reflections, or ceremonial practices

This is a whole-person approach to loss. One that honours your pace, your beliefs, and your needs.

You’re Not Alone

If you're reading this, chances are your heart is heavy. Maybe you've been carrying your grief quietly for too long. Maybe you're ready to step into a new chapter but feel unsure how. Or maybe you just need someone to walk beside you for a little while—someone who understands that grief isn’t linear, and healing isn’t about forgetting.

If that sounds like you, I invite you to Book a session.

Together, we can create a space where your grief is seen, your voice is heard, and your next chapter begins—gently, authentically, and at your own pace. Have questions or want to connect? Schedule a call here ➡️