Barbel Wray, Chaplain
Foundational Certification  
Online Capabilities Trained  
Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist  
Email Specialist

Location

Vernon, (Armstrong-Kelowna & anywhere online), BC, Canada

Website

Programs Presented In

English

Hi, my name is Chaplain Barbel Wray.  I am Certified as a Grief Recovery Method Specialist with The Grief Recovery Institute® since 2004 and most recently have added to my tool belt the One-On-One Online Advanced Training.  This advanced training has literally opened up the world, to be able to share these tools on-line, face-to-face, to anyone with an internet connection. 

As a child, there was a lot of trauma surrounding it including alcoholism, abuse, many moves, divorce, death, loss of self, loss of trust and more.  Some people I trusted were not trustworthy, my feeling that I was safe and worthy were a huge hurdle which kept me from many positive things because I felt unworthy.  We were not encouraged to talk about our feelings and were to show a ‘brave front’, which again just taught me to continue stuffing my feelings.  I was taught to not laugh too much, cry too much, or talk too much.  But the rules kept changing so I never knew what the rules were that day.  There seemed to be a lot of fighting and I seemed to wait for the next ‘shoe to drop’.

Although I had received great counselling periodically, and had great mentors, I felt stuck and unable to move forward.  Everything seemed to come to surface when my stress level was so high, I had trouble seeing the ‘forest from the trees’.  In 2003, a friend invited me to a Grief Recovery class, and I hesitantly accepted.  I trusted my friend and quickly saw the leader was a safe person and felt comfortable with the group as well.  I have to say that I cried buckets, as I did not realize that I had not grieved the many losses in my life.  I had heard well-meaning phrases from others that only had me stuff my pain deeper.  I learned how to find a better balance in self-care and teach others how I wanted to be treated.

Now I felt free and ‘lighter’ in my shoulders as I had learned a great deal. 

I did not know that Grief included many losses that include death, divorce but also loss of health, incomplete/unfinished relationships  that I wished were ‘better, more or different’ – whether the person was alive or not, needed to be dealt with.  Moving so much, having 13 piano teachers, different schools was difficult as I was pretty shy as a child.  When pets died, not knowing what do with my feelings where society usually suggests ‘replacement’ as a way to get over a pet, etc.  But, this concept does not work as one cannot replace the other.

When my stepson died suddenly at a young age, I was overwhelmed and all I could do is cry.  Thankfully some family came beside me on the day of the funeral and helped me through it.  I was terrified to see his little body as I had never seen a dead body, and I felt faint.  Then, the alcoholic father I had started struggling with a type of dementia and I grieved that he would unlikely be able to a better father and friend to me, which I longed to be ‘better, different and more’.  The timing was perfect when my friend invited me to the Grief Recovery class.

So much so that I took training in 2004 to lead this classes, knowing that the people I have the opportunity to mentor, would also be able to get unstuck and move forward with these tools.  I lead many Individual and Group classes since then and was delighted when the new 1-On-1 Online Program came forward for me to take advanced classes in 2018.  Now, the whole world opens up to anyone with an internet connection and the courage to do the Heart work and gain the skills themselves. 

I am also certified to lead on-line group classes of Grief Recovery.

I was unable to have children of my own but was fortunate to have nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours where I could hear their precious giggles and joy.  Seeing them take their first steps and rejoice as they grow up before my eyes.  Precious memories.

Pets became my fur babies.  The loss of our pets is also a huge loss.  They become part of our hearts, our families, our routine.  The greeting when we get back home, cuddles and fun make our day.  Cats purring is so soothing.  The wagging of a puppies tail to welcome us home.  The unconditional love they give us is precious.  I love animals, and the zoo was and is my favourite place to visit.  Loss of these precious fur/feather babies - is very real and painful.  

I have been referred as a mentor for around 40 years, and later became a Chaplain.  With these specific tools in the Grief Recovery Method program, I have seen layers of healing take place of many individuals. 

As a Chaplain/Mentor and now Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist, I would be honoured to meet with you for a FREE, confidential, 45 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.  We can talk about some things that brought you to looking at Grief Recovery and a bit about what you may feel stuck in your pain.  At the end of that first conversation, we can discuss what your schedule looks like and book specific, weekly dates and times to begin the 7 week program towards your healing journey.  

Do you value yourself enough to do the hard work towards healing?  Are you tired of feeling ‘stuck’?  Let’s set up a time to talk.  Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] or contact me on my new website https://www.chaplainbarbelwray.com

I would be honoured to come alongside your healing journey, regardless of your belief system.

I am open to speaking to your office group/social group.   

I look forward to meeting you and wish you a blessed day!!

Barb

Chaplain & Life Coach

Adv. Grief Recovery Method Specialist
https://www.chaplainbarbelwray.com

 

Some of the many types of losses:

Death

Divorce

Separation

New person in family

Extreme Tension

Estrangement

Disowning

Empty Nest

Specific Dates of Time

Incomplete Relationships

Loss of Health

Loss of Trust

Loss of Dreams

Loss of Finances

Loss of Innocence

Loss of Pet

Loss of Faith

Trauma

Suicide

Job changes

Unemployment

Retirement

Bankruptcy

Foreclosure

Insomnia

Medical diagnosis

Pregnancy

Infertility

Adoption

Finding Birth parents

Abortion

Birth complications

Moving-affects many things

Bullying

Step-parent

Mortgage

Starting Schooling

Completing Schooling

Failing grade

Dismissal

Changing schools

Accident

 

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Online and In-Person


This program is for people who prefer to work one-on-one rather than in a group setting. The 7-session format utilizes the same proven materials as the group programs and can be completed in-person or online with a Grief Recovery Method Specialist specifically trained to help people move through loss with dignity and respect.

Contact Specialist

Contact

Barbel Wray, Chaplain

Location

Vernon, (Armstrong-Kelowna & anywhere online), BC, Canada

Website