Deborah Brandt is a certified grief coach, funeral celebrant and educator.
Deborah came to know the weight of grief firsthand. By her 40’s, she had lost both of her parents. While her peers were stepping into the role of caretakers for aging parents, Deborah was sorting through decades of memories and selling her family’s home. The experience was isolating, overwhelming and unbearably hard. And when she searched for guidance, she found few resources that truly spoke to her experiences.
So, Deborah set out to become the resource she wished she had.
She immersed herself in the study of grief and loss, eventually become a practitioner of the companioning model developed by Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Unlike traditional grief counseling, the coaching approach isn’t about “fixing” grief – it’s about walking with those who mourn, bearing witness to their loss, and creating a safe space where their experience is honored rather than rushed. She believes grief is not a disorder to be treated but a journey to be
understood.
Deborah understands that grief changes us, but it does not have to define us. It is part of our story, but not the whole story. When grief is spoken, named, witnessed and honored, its intensity softens, and healing begins. Deborah’s coaching work focuses on telling the stories of our own losses. By naming our experiences we discover new understandings, find curiosity and build resilience toward wholehearted living.
Grief comes in many shapes and sizes. Death losses (beloved people and pets), divorce, moving across the country, the loss of a job or financial stability, a significant diagnosis, and aging are just a few of the places in life where we may experience grief. Exciting life changes also hold a special kind of loss – for instance welcoming a new baby brings both joy and loss. A new family member and at the same time, the weight of changed
responsibilities. These transitions are hard. Grief is an invitation to employ curiosity.
In her work, Deborah seeks to normalize grief by creating safe spaces for empathy, care and individual understanding of the bereavement experience.
- Graduate of DePauw University; Bachelor of Arts in Education.
- Graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word; Master of Arts in Religious Studies.
- Certificates in Non-profit Management, Mediation, Organizational Development, Grief and Death Studies, as a Creative Grief Practitioner and a Funeral Celebrant.
- Currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Iliff School of Theology.
- Member of Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church.
As your coach I will provide confidentiality, encouragement, support, and education about the nature of loss. I look forward to planning our collaboration with intention, vision, and a desire for wholehearted living.
Self-Pay:
- $150 per 50-minute session
Location:
- Northwest