My Approach
I work from a foundation of companionship, not correction. Using somatic and body-based techniques, we'll explore how grief shows up in your nervous system and learn to create safety within your body as we navigate the complex terrain of traumatic loss.
At the core of this work is your love for the person you are grieving. This is an important truth that I continuously strive to honor by inviting you to share pictures of your loved on with me, and listening with loce and cre as you tell me the story of your relationship with this important person.
All sessions are virtual.
Core principles of my practice:
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I NEVER EVER minimize the pain of this loss. Your pain is valid and deserves skilled, compassionate care
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Grief is not a problem to be solved, but a natural response to profound loss
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There is no timeline or "right way" to grieve
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I aim for softness and gentleness rather than resilience after trauma (no silver linings here!)
Britteny L
"I had never been an angry person until my brother died. Then I felt angry at everything and everyone and it scared me.
Gretchen helped teach me how to slow down, listen to my anger, and not be controlled by it.
Basically now I've learned that it's okay to be angry. And it makes sense to be sometimes.
But I've also learned how to process my anger so that I can feel more connected to grief
Lindsay
"Gretchen helped me with the painful loss of friendships/close family relationships.
She helped me to find ways to deal with my anxiety. She helped prepare me for a meaningful trip.
Gretchen, you were a major part in what I think has become a ‘return to myself’ period I feel like I am now in. Thank you for being so genuine, for being honest and for giving me such love."
Lisa
When I first reached out to Gretchen, I was drowning in guilt.
'I felt responsible for not seeing the signs, not being there enough, not being the perfect sibling I thought he deserved.
I still miss my brother every day, and sometimes I still wish I could have done things differently. But now I can hold those feelings without being consumed by them.
I can remember our relationship with both its beautiful moments and its imperfect ones, and I finally understand that loving someone doesn't mean you have to carry crushing guilt about every moment you weren't perfect.
What to Expect
Initial sessions focus on understanding your unique loss story, identifying how trauma and grief show up in your body, and establishing safety and grounding techniques that support your nervous system.
Ongoing work integrates somatic processing with traditional grief support, helping you develop capacity to be with difficult emotions while building a sense of safety and connection in your body. We work at your pace, honoring your system's wisdom about what it needs and when.
Most of my clients work with me on an ongoing basis, as traumatic grief requires time, patience, and consistent support. Sessions are spaced according to what feels supportive - some clients benefit from weekly sessions, others prefer bi-weekly or monthly check-ins.
Specialized Areas
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Sibling loss and the unique challenges of this disenfranchised grief
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Suicide loss and the complex trauma that accompanies it
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Multiple losses and compound grief
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Trauma anniversaries and seasonal challenges
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Secondary losses (identity, future plans, family dynamics)
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Creating softness and safety in life after traumatic loss
Investment & Accessibility
I believe in making care accessible and sustainable. I offer session packages to make ongoing support more affordable, and maintain a limited number of subsidized spots for clients who need financial support to continue their healing work.
If you're seeking gentle, body-aware support that honors the reality of your loss without trying to rush or fix your grief, I would be honored to walk alongside you in this journey.