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How to support a friend through loss
What matters is that you remember the most important support task is to make a grieving friend feel heard, validated, and cared for.
We need people in our lives with whom we can be as open as possible. To have real conversations with people may seem like such a simple, obvious suggestion, but it involves courage and risk. – Thomas Moore
You may be wondering if therapy can help your situation, especially when you’ve moved through so many previous challenges on your own. I can definitely relate. My personal story spans continents, cultures, and careers. And frankly, I’ve done much of it without a therapist to support me. Then I met someone that changed my perspective and my life.
Years ago, I found myself tired and uninspired, and even though I had a successful career, it was no longer satisfying. I wanted to dedicate the next chapter to a meaningful and engaging pursuit and knew it would take some soul searching and reflection. During that period, I met the founder of a nonprofit working to help refugee women adjust to life in the United States. I was in awe of her generosity and amazed by her ability to transform their lives. I was profoundly moved by the stories of the families she cared for, and they reminded me of my own. I recognized the patterns of fear and confusion associated with blending different worlds and remembered how isolating it was to need answers but still afraid to ask questions, to need help but not trust it was available. I, too, had felt misplaced, misunderstood, hopeless, and alone in my pain. I had retreated in fear of judgment and rejection, and used to think that acceptance required conformity.
Her work with those families reminded me it doesn’t have to be that way; that you don’t have to do it alone. These revelations sparked the inspiration I was missing, and my new purpose emerged: to be the person I would have benefitted from having in my life during such difficult moments.
Some people are born knowing their calling in life; others actively seek out their purpose, hoping the next opportunity is the right fit. I, for one, have spent decades unknowingly collecting the life experiences necessary to land me here today. I know triumph and failure, love and loss, rewards and disappointments, and have learned there will always be another hurdle. Whether pursued or imposed upon us, change is challenging, but can lead to personal growth and enrichment. It certainly has for me.
As we work together in therapy, you will find an accepting space to share your story while feeling valued and encouraged. My desire is to be an anchoring presence for those who struggle to stay afloat and aim to restore hope in healing by empowering my clients to live richer and more fulfilling lives.
My Background
I am a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I received my Masters of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University and also hold a Masters in Business Administration from Georgia State University. I had a successful career in real estate acquisitions, corporate marketing, and advertising prior to becoming a counselor.
My clinical training and experiences include counseling individuals of all ages, couples, parent-child dynamics and groups in various treatment settings, including private practice, community clinics, and hospitals. I am an EMDR trained therapist and utilize trauma-informed interventions in my practice. Additionally, I have specialized training in gender and sexuality issues, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Safe Conversations for couples and communities. I am also a passionate LGBTQ+ ally.
I have been married for 30 years, and I am quite proud of the woman my daughter has become. When I am not in the office, you can find me on the trails, in the studio, or in the kitchen. I love hiking with my husband, yoga with friends, and cuddles with my rescue pit mix Paige.
The United States has been my home since 1995. Having experienced the hardships of leaving family and friends behind to start a new life, I understand the desire to be accepted and belong. I have a unique perspective on how to navigate life changes and not only adapt but also to truly thrive.
What matters is that you remember the most important support task is to make a grieving friend feel heard, validated, and cared for.
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