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Certified Grief Coaching and Support for Individuals and Groups

"Grief must be witnessed." ~ David Kessler, Grief Expert

Bereavement: The state of being in loss.
Grief: Your inner response to loss.
Mourning: Your outward expression of grief.

About Vivien

Grief Coaching: A natural progression
From 1999 to the Spring of 2025, I focused solely on my work as a memoir biographer-ghostwriter (and speechwriter). During those years, I conducted phone interviews to collect the notes I needed to write on behalf of my clients. The phone interview process involved creating a safe space for clients to tell me their life stories from beginning to end. As I guided clients through telling me their stories, I helped them use the narrative process to reframe and understand their trauma, tragedies, grief, and victories. Over the years, as I ghostwrote 30+ books, my clients often reported finding the phone-interview process profoundly cathartic and healing. Meanwhile, I found the phone interviews to be one of the most satisfying parts of the (ghost)writing process. When a friend suggested to me that I might be well suited for grief coaching work, it made perfect sense to me. It was a natural evolution. I welcome the opportunity to use my gifts to be of service as a grief coach, as well!
Read about my grief journey
I have a reputation for being compassionate, empathetic, supportive, and sensitively attuned. This is my nature.
Compassionate, Empathetic, and Grounded Support and Coaching for All Types of Loss and Grief
Recent and Past Losses Dormant and Ancient Grief Cumulative Grief Suppressed Grief Grief + Survivor's Guilt
Loss of a Spouse Loss of a Family Member Loss of a Friend or Loved One Loss of a Pet
Non-death Related Grief: Loss of Previous Identity Estrangement Grief Divorce Grief Loss of a Job or Career Empty-nest Grief Loss of Freedom or Safety

What to Expect

Customized Support, Tools, Strategies, and a Roadmap for Coping, Mourning, Healing, and Emerging from Grief
Grief is not simply an emotion. It affects our entire being. I am here to support and coach you through every level of your grief:
  • Emotional
  • Mental
  • Physical
  • Spiritual
I will develop a plan and roadmap designed to help you engage with your grief in ways that feel authentic and comfortable, given your nature, background, culture, and faith.
Everyone's experience with grief coaching is unique. Here are some of the potential benefits and outcomes:
Feeling heard, seen, and understood Diminished sense of isolation Less tendency to disassociate Renewed connection to one's emotions Greater connection to ancestral mourning traditions Enhanced ability to interact with family and loved ones Greater willingness to accept support and help
Feeling supported and grounded Enhanced intuitive sense Deeper soulfulness & creativity Less despair during mourning Greater functionality Developing continuing bonds with deceased loved ones Deeper connection with one's faith Greater ability to recognize healing and tolerate setbacks
Enhanced ability to focus Better concentration Greater productivity A plan for managing physiological, emotional, and spiritual effects of grief Improved ability to balance responsibilities and mourning Better self-care habits
Disclaimer:
As a grief coach, I do not diagnose, treat, or manage mental health conditions.
I am a certified grief coach, not a therapist. Seek a licensed therapist if needed.

Evolving Beliefs About Grief

Grief does not follow a linear path.
Grief may come in waves or cycles. It may even remain dormant for years before resurfacing.
Time may not completely heal all wounds.
Time does provide space for adaptation and integration. As I say, 'Time heals some of our pain. The rest we just learn to carry.'
Instead of feeling pressured to move on, we develop continuing bonds.
It is healthy to maintain continuing bonds and find ongoing meaningful connection with our departed loved ones.
"Vivien has a real gift for listening, She pays attention and she cares. She doesn’t stop at compassion--she wants to understand what’s actually going on and help you find clarity. Whether you’re dealing with something emotional, practical, or deeply personal, she stays with you and works through it with you until things start to make sense and a path forward becomes clear." Billie King, Writer/Director/Producer, and Author of Billie, A Memoir "In choosing Vivien Cooper to help me write my memoir, I did not realize I was in the process of finding a true friend with a generous and understanding heart. Writing my story was not easy but Vivien helped me through it, whether it was to forgive, accept, or embrace the many moments that still weighed on my heart. Through it all, she was generous with her own life, with a warm kindness and humor. She has a class and dignity I have not found in any other person."
Mike Rafferty, Author of The Last Neightboorhood: A South Philly Memoir
Alongside being a grief coach, I am a writing coach and memoir ghostwriter/biographer with 30+ books to my credit. For more info on my writing and editing business, go to: https://writerviviencooper.com