I hope today finds you well and living in Love wherever you are.
I'm writing to you today to let you know that I'm hanging out my shingle as a Grief Support
Specialist. This might surprise you. I know it certainly has surprised me!
But loss changes you. And the feelings that come with it—what we call grief—does too. Grief and loss take you to places you never imagined or wanted to go. Yet, there is something transformative about it if you can stay the course, lean into it, and allow it to be your teacher and guide.
In 2020, knowing that my dear mother's life was winding down, I began to experience anticipatory grief. I wasn't quite sure what to do with it but, fortunately, at the time, I was working toward my Doctor of Psychology degree and I was able to
take a class on Grief and Bereavement, then another on Near Death Experiences, and another on Geriatric Psychotherapy. Each of these courses helped me to be less afraid of death and loss, and of the grief that inevitably would follow.
In hindsight this was a great blessing because when Mom passed away in March of 2022, I was slightly better resourced. I knew what might come and how to begin to cope with all the feelings, including that all too common mixture of relief, regret and loneliness.
Something else stirred in me after my mother's passing: a desire to companion others who might be grieving too. We've all had
so many losses the past 3 years because of the pandemic and I believe we haven't even begun to process these losses, much less properly grieve the lives of the people who "crossed over" during this time. Because I've served as a spiritual director/companion for the last 20 years, it felt natural for me to bring a greater emphasis on grief and loss into my private practice. I followed this inner urging and last fall completed formal training through the University of Wisconsin to serve as a
Grief Support Specialist.
It is now my honor and
privilege to be able to professionally companion people through their journeys of grief and loss—whatever that loss might be. A job, a relationship, a dream, one's health, the death of a loved one or pet, even joy in life. Our losses can be many considering how long most of us live. Perhaps you have a significant loss of your own for which you need support. Or someone you love needs this kind of care. Please know that I am here to provide it.
If you would like to know more about "Healthy Grieving,"the counseling protocol I've developed, and how it might support you at this time of your life, please click the box below to read more on my website.
And don't hesitate to reach out to ask questions. Grief can be such a confusing time and it's difficult to find your way to clear seeing. Grief companionship can help clear the fog and allow you, in time, to find your way to meaning and joy again.
And, yes, I am
still offering spiritual direction and pastoral counseling. Grief companionship can be brought into any of the ways you and I might journey together too.
May peace and healing be yours. Your are ever in my heart and prayers.
With metta,
Jan
Dr. Janice L. Lundy (PsyD., DMin, MPC) Spiritual Guidance & Counseling
