Hi, I’m Kirsten – a grief support specialist and coach with a master’s degree in psychology and widowed mum
Losing my husband changed everything. I know firsthand how overwhelming grief can feel. That’s why I became a grief support specialist – to help widowed parents find strength, clarity, and support for both themselves and their children.
My Personal Grief Journey
In 2016, my husband Jan was diagnosed with ALS – a terminal illness with no hope of recovery. Overnight, my most important job became protecting and supporting our two daughters, our family, and myself. I had to ensure that I had the strength to guide us through Jan’s illness and eventually, his death. I had to explain the truth of his illness to our daughters, prepare them for the reality that their father wouldn’t survive, and at the same time, preserve their childhood and help them believe that life can still be good – even when it isn’t.
Jan passed away in 2018. While grief hasn’t disappeared from our lives, it no longer defines us. Jan remains a significant presence in our home and in our thoughts, but today, joy and treasured memories take up more space than sorrow. We have built a life where there is room for happiness, laughter, and new experiences. When we remember Jan, we do so with love and warmth. We often look at photos of him and talk about how much our daughters resemble him. We always honor his birthday and the anniversary of his death by taking time off, visiting his grave, and spending the day together doing something special.
It has always been my goal that we create a good life despite our loss – a life filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful experiences. This commitment has anchored me throughout my grief. I have always believed that grief should never be an excuse for not pursuing our dreams. It hasn’t always been easy, but we support each other and move forward together.
Why I became a grief support specialist
After Jan’s death, I felt a strong desire to help others going through similar experiences. I became a grief support specialist and coach because I personally lacked this kind of support during the most challenging time of my life. Since then, I have dedicated myself to helping widowed parents find strength and clarity in the midst of grief.
In addition to my personal experience, I have pursued extensive training in grief counseling and therapy. I hold a master’s degree in psychology, am a certified coach, and have completed certification in The Grief Recovery Method as part of my broader commitment to providing effective, compassionate support for grieving parents.
My qualifications and training
As part of my commitment to offering the highest level of support, I have completed training and certifications at renowned institutions, including:
I am also an ICF certified coach and grief counsellor.
These qualifications, combined with my personal experience, enable me to provide compassionate and effective guidance tailored to your unique journey.
How I can support you
As a grief support specialist it is my mission to support you, wherever you are on your grief journey, and help you return to a life where joy takes precedence over sorrow. In my coaching sessions, you will find understanding, empathy, and care. I generously share my personal story and experiences, and you will always find space for laughter and remembering your loved ones with a smile.
Every grief journey is unique, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. That’s why I offer different types of support to meet your needs:
1:1 Coaching: Personalized grief support tailored to your journey.
Online Course: A structured program to help you and your children navigate grief together. Coming soon!
Free Resources: Practical guides, articles, and tools to help you on your own time.
If you are ready to take the first step toward healing, I invite you to reach out or book a free clarity call to learn more about how I can support you.
