A unique approach to grief support with genealogy, writing and coaching
Legacy Lockets - Support Through Your Loss
Obituary and Memorial Writing Services
Maybe you don't know where to start with writing your loved one's obituary, or you wish you knew more details like where they went to school or were born, or maybe you are just looking for a very personal and detailed memorial to capture their life in words. I can help.
An obituary for many people is the final story, the embodiment of dreams and activities, achievements and character. It's a story for the living to remember, but also a historical document for future generations to know more about their ancestors than what is included in legal documents like birth certificates or census records. It's a celebration of a life lived, a personal history. Who better to memorialize your loved one in their own historical context than a professional genealogist who is also a research psychologist, spiritual and grief coach.
Grief Coaching
Grief is normal. It’s healthy. It's painful. It takes time. It's a process you don't have to go through alone. Your relationship with your loved one never ends, it evolves even after death. Grief coaching helps you process your emotions, supports you through the pain and helps you find peace with your loss. It’s not a replacement for psychotherapy, but you may not need that level of support. Coaching is a shorter term approach that will keep you focused on goals and activities we set together.
My approach focuses on activities related to family history, as I've found exploring the past helps place your loved one in a context that enriches your healing.
Grief coaching is not for everyone. It's best suited for people who want to actively move through their grief to achieve a specific outcome. It's also suited for people who are stuck at a particular stage of grief who need help with creating a plan and sticking to it, to move to a place a peace. This is not for individuals who need a psychotherapist to work on depression or anxiety, or other psychological issues related to grief.
Wendy F. Smith, Ph.D.: Genealogist & Grief Coach
Memorial and Obituary Writing + Genealogy: A researcher by training with more than 20 years of genealogical research experience with Treesearch Professional Genealogy Research, I've worked with individuals, attorneys and professional organizations on a number of projects. I have a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Washington, a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and continue my education with ongoing courses through the National Institute of Genealogical Research, including Medical Genealogy and Copyright Law.
Grief Coaching to support after loss: I am also a certified Life and Spiritual Coach from the Life Purpose Institute. I've helped individuals heal and meet their goals since 2020, with a caring approach customized to meet the specific needs of each person. You will have my undivided attention for all sessions.