GStage 1
Based in Caithness, Scotland
About Gwen
Understanding Grief Through Lived Experience and Compassionate Care
Hello, I'm Gwen.
I'm a former nurse and midwife with over 35 years of experience caring for people through some of life's most significant and emotional moments.
But my understanding of grief comes from more than my professional experience. It also comes from my own journey through bereavement.
My story
When Life Changed
After more than 35 years in nursing and midwifery, I retired in July. The following May, I lost my husband.
Retirement had marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Bereavement changed that chapter in ways I could never have anticipated.
Experiencing grief personally deepened my understanding of the emotional challenges that can follow the death of someone we love.
I know how important it is to have space for sadness, memories, difficult feelings and the many questions that grief can bring.
I also know that everyone's experience is different. There is no single timetable for grief, and no one should feel pressured to move on before they're ready.
From Personal Loss to Helping Others
My experience of bereavement inspired me to begin creating resources that might bring comfort to others.
One of my first projects was writing The Advent Calendar: A Widow's Gift — Twenty-Four Days of Hope After Loss.
The book tells the story of James, a grieving husband whose late wife, Sarah, leaves him an Advent calendar containing 24 small invitations to reconnect with life, kindness and community.
The central message
Finding a way forward doesn't mean leaving behind the person you love.
I went on to create 24 accompanying videos, sharing one each day from 1 December through Christmas Eve, followed by a special Christmas Day message.
My passion for sharing support and understanding continued to grow.
Reflections and resources
Living Alongside Grief
Through my YouTube channel, Living Alongside Grief, I share reflections, encouragement and resources for people navigating bereavement.
My intention is to create a place where people can feel less alone in their experiences. I understand that sometimes listening to someone who has experienced grief can provide comfort before you're ready to speak about your own loss.
These videos and resources are freely available, and you're welcome to explore them at your own pace.
Gentle support through my videos
Visit my YouTube link hub for reflections and freely available resources.
Explore Living Alongside Grief Five sessions, at your pace
The G.R.I.E.F. Method™
My personal experience, professional background and specialist therapeutic training shaped my G.R.I.E.F. Method™. This personalised five-session programme offers a gentle framework for exploring grief.
RStage 2
Release
IStage 3
Integrate
EStage 4
Expand
FStage 5
Flourish
Five sessions over five weeks
Sessions normally take place weekly over five weeks, lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes each, with flexibility around individual circumstances.
Personalised therapeutic recordings
Five recordings, each with a daytime and bedtime version
Following each session, I provide a personalised therapeutic recording in both daytime and bedtime versions, designed to support the themes we've explored together.
5 daytime versions 5 bedtime versions
My approach is not about forgetting your loved one, forcing positive feelings or rushing towards a particular outcome.
It's about making space for your experience and supporting you as you discover your own way forward.
Local and online support
Supporting My Local Community
Living and working in Caithness, in the far north of Scotland, I recognise the difficulties people in remote and rural communities can experience when seeking face-to-face bereavement support.
Monday face-to-face sessions
Citizens Advice Bureau premises in Thurso
My Monday sessions are held at Citizens Advice Bureau premises in Thurso, with availability confirmed by enquiry.
Sessions arranged by referral
Cancer Support in Thurso
Cancer Support in Thurso contacts me when it has a referral. I can arrange a private grief-support session in its quiet room for the referred person or family affected by cancer and bereavement.
These sessions are arranged through referral. They are not directly bookable without a referral.
Online support through Zoom
Alongside my local work, I offer online support through Zoom, subject to the requirements applicable to the client's location.
Let's Begin With a Conversation
Whether you've found me through my Living Alongside Grief YouTube videos, my writing, a local organisation or a personal recommendation, you're very welcome here.
You don't need to have the right words or know exactly what support you need.
Sometimes, simply having someone listen with compassion and understanding can be an important first step.
I offer a complimentary 30-minute Clarity Call where we can talk about what you're experiencing, answer any questions you may have and explore whether my G.R.I.E.F. Method™ is right for you.
Prefer to write first? You're welcome to send me a message through my enquiry form.
You don't have to face your grief alone.