Coaching for Grief and Loss

This case study illustrates how one-to-one coaching supports wellbeing and positive growth through grief and loss. It is based on a series of coaching conversations rather than a specific client.

The Story

When Margaret lost her husband, life changed overnight. After the funeral, she moved closer to family, but didn’t want to burden them. New to the area, she often went days without speaking to anyone face to face.

A former teacher, she had once thrived in a busy, social environment but had lost touch with her network. Though in good health, she was becoming more sedentary and anxious about going out alone. She still drove but was losing confidence.

The Challenge

When working Margaret had a sense of independence and status that she valued. She wanted to rebuild her confidence and sense of purpose but didn’t know where to start.

She hoped to move forward at her own pace, embracing new opportunities without pressure. She missed the social connections she shared with her husband and wanted to meet new people, be more active and regain a sense of purpose and independence in her new surroundings.

Setting Goals

One-to-one in person coaching helped Margaret set achievable goals to support her emotional and physical wellbeing:

Process her grief at her own pace while exploring a new chapter.
Reconnect with her teaching network for intellectual engagement.
Regain confidence in going out alone and managing daily tasks.
Join a group exercise class to boost her energy and motivation.
Find a local support group she felt comfortable attending.

Coaching in Action

Personalised coaching provided a space where Margaret felt fully seen, not just in her grief but as a whole person. She could talk about her husband, sit in silence when needed, and explore what came next. Through guided conversations, she reflected on her past independence and took small but meaningful steps forward:

Attending a local Pilates class for fitness and social connection.
Calling an old colleague, leading to reconnections with more former peers.
Taking short drives to the shops alone to rebuild confidence.
Researching and attending a charity support group, to feel less alone in her grief.

The Impact – Benefits

Support & Encouragement – A safe, empathetic space to grieve while also focusing on rebuilding her life.
Flexible Commitment – In-person coaching suited her, making engagement easier and more meaningful.
New Perspective – Recognising her past independence and reconnecting with former colleagues reignited her sense of purpose.
Realistic Goals – Small, practical steps helped her gradually rebuild confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Personal Ownership – Margaret took control of her own grief and loss, making choices that felt right for her.

Coaching helped Margaret adjust to her grief, it helped her move forward in a way that felt natural. With support, she found the courage to reconnect, regain confidence, and embrace life again, on her terms.

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Author: Maria Callow, founder of alexandrapatrick, marketing consultant, accredited coach.