Mother Loss Practitioners
The following therapists, coaches, and mental health practitioners have been trained by Hope Edelman and Claire Bidwell Smith, LCPC, to work specifically with motherless daughters through the Mother Loss Certification Program that began in 2023.
The individuals listed below offer a variety of one-to-one and group therapy and coaching options. Please contact providers directly for more information about their programs and services.
This is a resource list and is not intended to be a referral service. All practitioners listed below operate separate and independent of Hope Edelman and hopeedelman.com.
Jasmin Abizadeh, MA, RCC
Vancouver, BC, Canada
I am a mental health therapist with a focus on supporting clients through life transitions. I specialize in perinatal and reproductive mental health as well as grief support. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, depression, body image concerns, relationship stressors, and/or grief and loss. Many of my clients have also experienced trauma and are seeking support to feel more grounded, secure, and less impacted by their experience.
Website: www.geborgentherapy.com
Email: connect@geborgentherapy.com
Phone: 604-779-8840
Do you work with clients out of your home state? No
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy, Group therapy Support groups
Kristin Chae, LCSW, PMH-C
Chicago, IL / USA
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Perinatal Mental Health professional. My special areas of interest include perinatal mental health and grief and loss. I have a particular passion for working with motherless daughters and motherless mothers. I facilitate groups for new parents and am currently developing groups for motherless daughters/mothers.
Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kristin-chae-chicago-il/154015
Email: Kristin@chaecounseling.com
Phone: 312-880-9429
Do you work with clients out of your home state? No
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy, Group therapy, Support groups
Janice Clarke, MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
I’m a clinical director of Your Road Forward a private practice in Ontario, Canada. I am not a stranger to facing difficult life transitions. As a teenager, I suffered the loss of my mother, and as an adult, the pain of divorce. It is important to remember that these transitions are not what defines us but can become a catalyst for personal resilience and growth.
I have found significant meaning in parenting my two daughters. My daily work as a therapist, helping people in our community, is also very rewarding. However, as my young adult children move forward in life I experience both feelings of delight and sadness as I transition into the empty nest stage of life. Each life transition has challenged my own search for meaning and purpose.
Website: www.yourroadforward.com
Email: janice@yourroadforward.com
Phone: 905-812-1825
IG: @yourroadforward
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy
Amy Doman
Washington, DC, and Virtual, Worldwide
I am a certified grief coach, certified substance abuse counselor-assistant (CSAC-A), and a graduate of George Mason University in Organizational Health Management. I am a graduate of Dora Carpenter’s from Grief to Gratitude Coach Certification Program IOPGC. In addition, I graduated from the Grief Training program for mental health professionals and coaches with an emphasis on mother loss. I also volunteered for Hope Edelman’s book launch of “The After Grief” about the long arc of grief. My work has been featured in Washington City Paper and I’m a guest contributor on blogs about grief and loss.
Website: www.amymariegriefcoaching.com
Email: amy@amymariegriefcoaching.com
Phone: 703-309-7881
IG: @wellness_with_ames
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual Coaching, Group Coaching, Support Groups
Clare Duplace
Asheville, NC, USA
English speaking
She/Her pronouns
Creative grief practitioner
MA in Mindfulness Studies
Bereavement and end of life doula
After death care/home funeral guide
end of life celebrant
Contemplative care
Creates grief and bedside companioning kits (trained herbalist and flower essence practitioner)
Poetic medicine facilitator
Legacy supporter
Narrative medicine
Grief educator
Website: I don’t have one, yet but I am on the following websites for https://www.bewellblackmountain.com/ and https://www.ccld.community/ and https://birthbreathanddeath.com/
Email: cluvyd@gmail.com
Phone: 828-275-2687
IG: @clareluvy
Do you work with clients out of your home state? No
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually (via Zoom or other means)
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual coaching, Weekend workshops, Support groups
Allison Lindsey Durant
New Orleans/LA/USA
I have a passion for providing a safe, supportive space for individuals grieving as this was not my experience when I lost my mother almost 40 years ago. Through compassionate and active listeners, we are likely to feel more accepted along our grief journey.
I offer support groups specific to early mother loss as well as general grief groups and intensive day-long retreats. Please refer to my website for more information. www.neworleansgriefcenter.com
Website: www.neworleansgriefcenter.com
Email: allison@neworleansgriefcenter.com
Phone: 504-224-9596
IG: @nolagrief
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy, Group therapy, Weekend workshops
Susanna Gilbertson, MSW, PCC
Philadelphia, PA, United States
I am a certified grief coach and masters-level social worker who specializes in providing individual and group grief support to fellow motherless mothers.
I facilitate online 6-week motherless mothers support groups. I also provide grief support to motherless mothers through 1:1 virtual coaching sessions.
Website: susannagilbertson.com
Email: susanna@susannagilbertson.com
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual Coaching, Group Coaching, Support Groups
Therese M. Grieco, MA, LPCC
Columbus, Ohio, USA
I focus on Perinatal Mood Disorders (i.e. Postpartum Depression/Anxiety, Postpartum OCD, etc.), Grief/Loss, Relationship Concerns, Women’s Issues, Anxiety, and Depression.
Since losing my mother to complications of breast cancer when I was nine years old, I have a heart for helping people to integrate all grief/loss into their lives in a positive way, while still feeling their feelings and being real.
Website: https://www.sycamoreprofessionalcounseling.com/
Email: therese.grieco@gmail.com
Phone: 614-892-7762
Do you work with clients out of your home state? No
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy
Karen Gurian, MD, ACC
McLean, Virginia
I am a retired OB/GYN physician and now work with clients as a certified life coach and grief educator. I integrate my knowledge from the loss of my mother during childhood with my personal and professional experiences in obstetrics. As well as coaching motherless daughters, I coach people whose reproductive stories haven’t gone as planned. This includes infertility, complicated pregnancies, postpartum stress, abortion, adoption, miscarriage, and stillbirth. I offer support to those struggling with both new and old grief. My coaching is client-led, compassionate, and a safe place for difficult emotions.
Website: www.wayfindingafterloss.com
Email: karen@kgurian.com
IG: @wayfinding_grief
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual coaching, Group therapy, Support groups
Sheila Jordan M.Ed
Charlottesville VA
I am a Certified Grief Coach through Claire Bidwell Smith and Hope Edelman with a speciality in Mother Loss. I lost my own mother nearly 30 years ago and I understand the kind of challenges and lingering pain that can ensue throughout a lifetime as a result. It is my greatest wish to be able to help others through their grief journey in whatever way is most meaningful to them.
I am also a Certified Parent Coach through the Jai Institute for Parenting with an emphasis on parenting through grief and loss. I guide parents toward gaining greater insight into themselves and their own childhood so that they can apply this awareness to their parenting while continuing to experience a strong connection to their lost loved ones n the process. By better understanding your own needs, you can better focus on those around you, so let’s take care of YOU first!
Website: www.areimaginedlife.com
Email: lifetransition4u@gmail.com
Phone: 703-507-3253
IG: @prosper_parenting_coaching
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual Coaching, Group Coaching, Support Groups
Lisa Kolbe-Beard
Hayward, California USA
I’m a Martha Beck certified life coach, drawing from a series of challenges that fueled my journey of self-discovery. Losing my mother at 14 set me on a long path towards self-acceptance, leading me to discover my own identity and values. I learned how to face the fear of dying young like my mother did, and of leaving any children I might have without a mother. As a former divorcee who found my perfect match a few years ago, I also offer compassionate guidance to women who seek fulfilling and authentic relationships, particularly those who aspire to build a lasting union. My commitment to fostering authentic connections and empowering individuals drives my passion for guiding others on their own journeys of self-discovery and growth.
Website: https://lkbcoaching.com/
Email: lisa@lkbcoaching.com
Phone: 510 255-1231
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? Virtually (via Zoom or other means)
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual Coaching
Angie Larned, PhD
Westchester County, NY
"I have 20+ years as a psychologist helping clients with anxiety, depression, grief/loss and relationship conflicts. I work with adolescents, college students, adults and couples who are struggling with life's challenges or feeling stuck. I offer a non-judgmental, empathic space where we can sort through your emotions/worries and help you gain new perspectives & coping skills so that you are better able to gain clarity, build resilience and work toward your goals and objectives. With my certification as a Health/Wellness Coach, I offer a holistic perspective to understand/guide you through emotional, cognitive and wellness struggles
I have found success using CBT, narratives, psychodynamic, strength based psycho-educational and interpersonal approaches to therapy -- helping clients with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship issues, trauma, health/wellness and managing stress. I have worked extensively with individuals in creative/artistic fields.
Feeling safe, supported & understood in a non-judgmental, therapeutic relationship is essential for you to express and change what’s bothering you. I want to help you gain clarity & figure out what is important to you and for your life. We will collaborate, tap into your strengths and apply new knowledge and self awareness to achieve insight and growth.
Website: www.drangielarned.com
Email: angielarned@gmail.com
Phone: 914-319-3230
IG:
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually (via Zoom or other means)
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy, couples therapy
Miranda Malone, LCSW, CAGCS
Milwaukee, WI
"With nearly a decade of experience in the states of Wisconsin and New York, Miranda has managed to craft a realistic approach to therapy. Miranda’s goal is to provide her clients with the knowledge and skills necessary to create the lives they have always dreamt of living. Miranda offers a holistic individual therapy approach, welcoming and incorporating all aspects of the human experience: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.
Miranda values the aligned therapeutic relationship and specializes in grief, mother loss, anxiety and trauma. Miranda assists her clients in managing physical symptoms such as racing heart, dizziness, panic attacks, racing thoughts, nausea, fatigue and/or emotional reactions such as helplessness, avoidance, hypervigilance, sadness, fear, anger, and grief.
As a therapist, Miranda is conversational, calm, open and direct. She prides herself on creating a comfortable yet energizing space for each of her clients. Miranda aims to improve her client’s life experiences, discover ways to develop clients’ strengths, and learn new skills and insight into how a client’s past may impact their present. Befriending death allows life to flow and your only responsibilities are to live and to die; what happens in between is your story.
Miranda currently offers individual therapy sessions in person at her office in Milwaukee, WI and virtually via Zoom. Miranda currently runs a motherless daughters support group in person in Milwaukee on the first Tuesday of every month from 6-7:30pm CST. Miranda will be offering an in person 8 week Mother Loss Process Group beginning Fall 2024."
Website: https://www.newmoontherapyllc.com
Email: miranda@newmoontherapyllc.com
Phone: 414-220-0077
IG: @newmoontherapyllc
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy, Individual coaching, Group therapy, Group coaching, Weekend workshops, Support groups
Stephanie McWoods
Oakland, CA US
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who practices Holistic Healing. I am passionate about living a liberated, authentic, and joyful life, it is what my ancestors dreamed of for me. My hope is to join you in your journey of untangling trauma and grief, decolonizing your thoughts, attuning to your body, listening to your intuition and living your most authentic liberated life!
Groups are 6-8 weeks in length. They occur twice a year."
Website: www.onyxperspective.com
Email: stephanie@onyxperspective.com
Phone: 510-736-0991
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy, Group therapy, Weekend workshops, Support groups
Michelle Michicoff, MSW, LCSW
Long Beach, CA, USA
I am a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker who provides strengths-based, inclusive, and trauma-informed mental health care. I work in a range of specialty areas, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, women’s issues, relational issues, attachment, parenting concerns, and grief and loss, with a special interest for work with motherless daughters and motherless mothers. I wrote my Master’s thesis on the impact of early maternal death on adult daughters’ attachment dynamics. I am a Native speaker of both English and Spanish and am happy to conduct our sessions in either language or a combination of both, depending on your preference.
Website: michellemtherapy.com
Email: michellemichicoff@gmail.com
Phone: 562-269-5164
IG: @michellemtherapy
Do you work with clients out of your home state? No
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy
Jen Pines
Atlanta, GA
I am a Certified Life Coach and Energy Leadership™ Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), as well as a certified grief coach. I am so glad we have found each other. I am a mom, wife, animal lover and endurance fitness gal with goals, yet I needed some help reaching those goals. I am here to guide you, help you gain results and reach those goals. We want an end result that aligns with our values. I have the tools and understanding to help you to gain insight into the life you see yourself living.
Website: www.alifecoached.com
Email: jenpines@me.com
Phone: 678-613-3057
IG: @alifecoached
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual coaching, Group coaching, Support groups
Kelsey Sawyer MA, BC-DMT
Syracuse, NY USA
Kelsey Sawyer is a Board Certified Dance Movement Therapist and Yoga Teacher who specializes in grief. She is the founder of Riverbend Grief and Movement Therapy LLC where she supports children, teens, and adults who are grieving. Her offerings are guided by movement, breath, and the body, and can be done in person or virtually. Kelsey's current offerings include individual grief support sessions, an 8 week virtual grief support group offered seasonally, and a weekly "Flowing with Grief" Yoga Practice, as well as collaborative workshops and retreats throughout the year. All of these offerings invite individuals to connect with their body, their grief, and their person/people who died in a more intentional and embodied way. Kelsey has completed Grief and Loss Training with Claire Bidwell Smith, Mother Loss Training with Hope Edelman and Claire Bidwell Smith, and Grief Yoga® Training with Paul Denniston. She continues to learn about the long arc of grief from these mentors, her clients, and her own personal grief experience.
Website: www.riverbendgrief.com
Email: riverbendgrief@gmail.com
Phone: 315-303-8343
IG: @riverbend_grief
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually (via Zoom or other means)
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy, Group therapy, Weekend workshops, Support groups, Flowing with Grief Practice
Heidi Sturgeon MSW, RSW
Nova Scotia Canada
I am a mental health therapist with specialized training in grief and loss as well as many lived personal experiences with loss. I support clients of any age above 18 who may be struggling with anxiety, health anxiety, low mood, feeling disconnected in their life and relationships, feeling alone in their grief, and/or who may be concerned about how their experiences as a child may be impacting their adult relationships.
I work with clients virtually in 1-1 sessions using a bio-psycho-social framework that allows us to explore and gain insight and awareness into all aspects of your life that may be contributing to how you are feeling, thinking, and or behaving today. Together we can create a path forward toward clarity, meaning, and feeling better.
Video Sessions are available to clients in the following provinces - Nova Scotia, NFLD, PEI, Ontario, and Alberta. Direct Billing to most major insurance providers is also available if your private health insurance provides coverage for Social Work Services.
Website: www.heidisturgeon.com
Email: heidi@heidisturgeon.com
Phone: (902) 460-0124
IG: @heidi.sturgeon
Do you work with clients out of your home state? Yes
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy
Dr. Olivia Wedel, LPC, NCC, LCDC, PMH-C
Grapevine, TX (DFW Area)
I’m a licensed therapist in Texas specializing in women’s mental health and perinatal mental health. One of my main specialties is the intersection of grief due to mother loss and postpartum/maternal mental health. I offer intensives (90-120 minutes) as well as more traditional therapy sessions (60 minutes). I do in-person, virtual, and walk-and-talk sessions. I love helping women find moments of happy when things are hard. My office is a safe space for crying, laughing, and expressing any emotion and thought that comes up on the journey to healing.
Website: www.oliviawedelcounseling.com
Email: droliviaw@oliviawedelcounseling.com
Phone: 817-264-6604
IG: @oliviawedelcounseling
Do you work with clients out of your home state? No
Do you work with clients virtually, in person, or both? In-person, Virtually
Which of the following services do you currently offer or plan to in the future? Individual therapy, Individual coaching, Weekend workshops, Support groups