Kerri Goodman, CPLC

Hi, I’m Kerri—I'm so glad you found your way here. Grief doesn’t always look how we expect, and it often stays longer than we think it should. Whether it’s loud or quiet, fresh or decades old, your grief is valid, and you don’t have to carry it forever. Like many, I once believed grief only “counted” when someone died. But after the end of an important relationship, I found myself overwhelmed and devastated. I couldn’t understand why it hit so hard. I hadn’t fully realized how grief builds over time. My heart was carrying unrecognized hurts. Some losses were obvious, like my brother’s unexpected death from substance use in 2022. Others were quieter: job loss, cross-country moves, my son’s serious injury during military service, and the pain of watching relationships shift or dreams fade. I grew up in a home where expressing emotions like sadness, fear, or anger wasn’t safe, so I tucked them away. I became good at looking for the bright side, pushing ahead, and being strong. I learned a set of strategies that didn't work very well, and eventually stopped altogether. When the loss of that relationship hit me hard, I didn’t know how to process the pain. Years later, I was still searching. One winter afternoon, I sat on the beach with The Grief Recovery Handbook, crying through the first pages. For the first time, I felt both understood and hopeful. I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggle. Immediately, I joined a Grief Recovery Method group and found what I didn’t know I needed: clarity, healing, and a new way to move through loss. That experience inspired me to become a certified Grief Recovery Specialist, so I could walk alongside others on their healing path toward wholeness and freedom. I offer one-on-one sessions and supportive group programs in Hampstead, Jacksonville, and Wilmington, North Carolina, as well as online. Along with my Grief Recovery Method certification, I hold a Master of Arts in Life Coaching and Mentorship and have over 20 years of experience supporting ADHD/neurodivergent individuals. This background has deepened my understanding of how grief can manifest uniquely and unexpectedly. My approach is compassionate and non-judgmental, creating a safe space where your grief—whether it feels big or small—can be acknowledged and gently worked through. You don’t have to go through this alone. If you're unsure whether your grief “counts,” I’m here to tell you it does—and that you do, too. If something in your heart is asking for support, I’d be honored to talk with you. Please reach out or visit my website to learn more.