The Living Planner Advisory Perspective Series

We had many responses to the post last week about holidays and grief.  As such, we are presenting an additional Advisory Perspective Series this month featuring a professional I met this year in the Bay Area who has a passion for assisting others in moving beyond grief to embrace living.

The professionals I feature in this series are dedicated to their fields, to their clients and to you being prepared in all ways best for you.

This month, we focus on Dr. Michelle Peticolas, a Grief and Loss Expert.  Secrets of Life and Death began as a documentary film project created by filmmaker/sociologist Dr. Michelle Peticolas to change the way people think and talk about death. The three-part film series, Secrets of Life and Death, is used in universities, hospitals and hospices across the country to encourage thought and discussion on this most important life transition. A sought-after-speaker, Michelle provides film screening-workshops for cancer organizations, hospitals, universities and churches throughout the Bay Area. In addition, Michelle provides individual grief transformation coaching in an eight-session series for people dealing with death, divorce and other profound life changes.

Question 1: What do you enjoy about working with your clients?

Some people ask me whether it isn’t depressing to work with people around grief and loss. No, I answer, because I see loss as powerful opportunity for transformation. I am “a new life midwife.”

Grief is a gateway, an entry point into the authentic self. It provides both urgency and direction. All losses are connected like beads on a necklace. In healing the wounds of one loss, we are invited to heal what came before. There can be a deep cleansing of old debris so that the individual can re-emerge like the phoenix from the ash – energized and empowered.

Question 2:       How would you suggest a client prepare for their first meeting?

In the first three months after a significant loss, really all the individual can do is hang on. Eat, sleep and breathe. The body and mind are adjusting to the shock of the new reality after loss. My mini-ebook: Essentials for Grieving Well, which can be downloaded from my website: www.secretsoflifeanddeath.com, can help people in this early phase. Those further along on the journey could visit my News page for my recorded interviews or they could read my Blog.

Question 3:      What can members expect immediately? Over time?

A new client gets a complete toolbox for navigating their emotional journey as well as personal guidance tailored to their specific needs.

Over time?

I help my clients find peace of mind, closure and a life worth living.

Question 4:     What is your service philosophy?

I empower people with the knowledge and skills to change their situation. I don’t have a magic pill. Change takes effort and commitment. I provide the map, the mirror and mentorship.

Question 5:      What resources do you have for “laypeople” to understand?

There are audio recordings and illustrations that visualize the process and the practices.

Bonus Question:   If you had one piece of advice to anyone reading this article, what would it be?

Be curious, even when you are miserable. Loss is one of the many features of live fully lived.

You may contact Dr. Michelle Peticolas directly via phone: (510) 524-1227; by email Email or via her website Secrets of Life and Death