Paula Pellegrino, M.Ed, NBCHWC

Several years ago when beginning my "second act" with the start of a certification program to become a life coach, someone very close myself and our family, died tragically in an accident. I realized at that point while attempting to support the many loved ones affected and process my own feelings of loss, that we are taught many things in our lifetime but not how to grieve and support those who are grieving. I felt deeply that this work was my path and decided to make my coaching niche/concentration Grief Recovery. In my 57 years, I have had experienced grief around a number of the more than 40 losses we can experience in a lifetime (divorce, multiple moves, loss of a parent, loss of a child to suicide, loss of health, loss of a career, post-partum depression, loss of beloved pets, and parenting losses and transitions to list a few). More than once I have questioned if the overwhelming feelings around the losses would bury me and was unsure of what to do with the intensity of the emotions. I attended different support groups, read books, and attended counseling which helped me process through many of the emotions surrounding my grief. While these approaches helped, I often didn't feel a true sense of completion with the pain of the relationships. After my personal experience working through the Grief Recovery Method, I discovered how much relief and peace can be found upon completing the painful relationships with losses. I found I was left with more space within my heart for the loving memories of those relationships. As a former special education teacher, I have always loved to watch with wonder the process of someone truly learning, understanding, and acquiring a new skill/tool. The Grief Recovery Method is no different. It is amazing to witness the research-based process guide grievers in recovering from the pain that is often between their present life and a life with "space" for more joy. I feel honored to be able to support others in their walk through their Grief Recovery and each time I work with a griever, I learn a little more about myself and my own personal grief process. I can't promise to fix you, because you're not broken and I can't tell you I know how you feel, because I haven't walked through your personal loss. What I can commit to is being honest, open, and present without any judgement to walk with you through your grief recovery. I provide one-on-one Grief Recovery in the Pittsburgh area and on-line. I also hold Grief Recovery Groups throughout the year including Helping Children With Loss (HCWL), and Pet Loss Groups. The Basics: Mom of three children ages 18-22 (two children living and one child deceased and a new empty nester), multiple-dog mom, wife, artist, teacher, meditator, reader, manager of investment properties and Air BnB, volunteer, empath, Transitional Life and Loss Coach, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and Masters of Education.