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Grief With Grace event info.
Moving Through Grief: A Free Virtual Support Session
Friday, January 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Eastern You are warmly invited to join us for an intimate group session where we'll come together to honor loss and discover pathways through grief. In this compassionate 90-minute space, you'll connect with others and explore healing modalities designed to help you navigate the weight of loss with grace and resilience. Everyone is welcome here. Every loss matters—whether it's the end of a relationship, a shift in identity, or dreams that will never be. All Grief Is Valid Loss extends far beyond death. We grieve the end of marriages and relationships, the lives we once lived, the futures we envisioned, and even the versions of ourselves we've had to leave behind. Each of these losses deserves recognition and care. What to Expect Using the framework of the 4 Tasks of Mourning, we'll explore practical approaches that apply to every form of loss. Together, we'll work toward building a meaningful life beyond the pain—not by forgetting, but by learning to carry what we've lost with us in new ways. Registration Required This is a free event, but space is limited. Please register to secure your spot. Upon completion of the registration form, you'll receive an email confirmation with your Zoom link. Register here: https://forms.gle/jDwj6pUL9rX9HFBv8 Important Information Marissa Jane Coaching's programs are confidential and not open for observance or auditing. To protect the privacy and safety of all participants, recording of any portion of the meetings—whether by audio, video, or in writing—is strictly prohibited. Marissa Jane Coaching | Supporting your journey through loss and transformation
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Registration required for participation.
Please complete the form below, an email confirmation will be sent with the Zoom link. Marissa Jane Coaching's programs are confidential and are not open for observance or auditing. At no time may participants record any portion of the meetings whether by audio, video, or in writing. https://forms.gle/hqAXXmk4d3x7BdJB9 We gather virtually on October 13, 2025 to share conversation, comfort, and connection. Together, we create a safe, open space to explore grief, loss, and the journey of healing. Grief with Grace exists to provide compassionate support for those navigating loss, while honoring the ongoing presence of love beyond death. Marissa Jane Coaching offers holistic support for individuals navigating life's most profound transitions. My services include: * Death Doula Services — Compassionate guidance and advocacy for individuals and families throughout the dying process, helping create meaningful, dignified end-of-life experiences. * End-of-Life Coaching — Support for those facing terminal illness or anyone wanting to live more intentionally by exploring mortality, legacy, and what matters most. * Grief Coaching — One-on-one guidance for those navigating loss, offering personalized tools and compassionate support for the unique terrain of grief. * Grief Support Groups — Community-based healing spaces where individuals can share their experiences and find comfort in collective understanding. My work centers on creating meaningful connections, honoring individual journeys, and fostering communities where difficult conversations become sacred conversations. Grief with Grace Support Group is one expression of this mission—a dedicated space where those experiencing loss can gather, share, and find comfort in community. How We Gather Grief-centered conversation. We gather specifically to support one another through loss and grief. Each session provides space to share, witness, and heal together. Comfort and connection. You're encouraged to bring something comforting to enjoy during our time together—tea, tissues, a cozy blanket, or whatever helps you feel held. Your Facilitator I'm Marissa Jane, and I'm honored to hold this space with you. My role is creating a confidential and compassionate environment for everyone. While I work as a death doula and coach, I will provide professional coaching services during these sessions. I'm also here to facilitate our gathering and hold space as we navigate grief together. What a beautiful and heartfelt conversation we shared together during this months Death Cafe! Thank you to everyone who joined us - whether it was your first time or you've been part of our community for several months. Each person's presence and willingness to share made our gathering truly special.
We explored so many meaningful topics during our session: Grief and Loss: We discussed the deeply personal experiences of grief, including the sudden loss of beloved pets and family members, and how the healing process unfolds differently for everyone - sometimes taking a year and a half or longer to feel better. We explored the concept of carrying grief "like a stone" (as Jay Shetty describes) and the importance of acknowledging and addressing grief without the expectation of "getting over it." We also touched on the concerns many of us share about traveling when we have aging or ill pets at home, and creative solutions like potentially bringing them along on future trips. End-of-Life Support and Community: Several participants shared their experiences with specialized support groups, including a monthly gathering specifically for those who have received terminal diagnoses. These groups provide a unique space to discuss concerns that are specific to end-of-life experiences, from managing home health care and losing independence to navigating the emotional landscape of serious illness. We discussed how the more we engage with these supportive communities, the more familiar and comfortable they become. Practical End-of-Life Planning: We had rich conversations about the importance of preparing legal paperwork, including advance directives and wills, to ensure our wishes are respected. The value of working with a Death Doula was discussed as a way to help navigate these decisions and alleviate the burden on loved ones during difficult times. Environmentally Conscious Options: We explored various disposition options beyond traditional burial and cremation: Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) as a more environmentally friendly alternative to cremation, with growing legality across various states Composting (human composting) as an eco-conscious choice that some prefer over cremation Natural burials as options that reduce environmental impact Burial at sea as another alternative The group discussed the environmental concerns associated with traditional cremation and the personal comfort levels with different options. Memorialization and Physical Connection We talked about the importance of maintaining a physical connection for loved ones to remember the deceased. This included discussions about: Keeping ashes at home and the questions that arise about what to do with them over time Creating memorial jewelry from ashes as a way to keep loved ones close The value of having a physical place for memorials where family and friends can visit and remember The challenges of making decisions about remains and honoring multiple loved ones Living Funerals: We explored the beautiful and increasingly popular concept of living funerals - celebrations of life that allow people to gather and share love, memories, and appreciation while everyone is still present to experience it together. This can be a powerful way to hear the impact we've had on others and celebrate relationships before it's too late. One of the most wonderful aspects of our Death Cafe community is how we can support one another. During this session, connections were made to help individuals facing terminal illness find specialized support groups where they can discuss their unique concerns with others who truly understand. Our next Death Cafe is scheduled for late October—typically the last Thursday of the month. I'll confirm the exact date soon and send out a reminder. I'm also setting up a grief support group for those interested in ongoing conversations and community support. Please let me know if this appeals to you. For those seeking virtual Death Cafe options between our in-person gatherings in Jacksonville, Florida, I'm happy to share resources—just send me a note! Whether you're navigating active grief, planning for the future, supporting someone with a terminal illness, or simply curious about these important conversations, you belong here. Today would have been my big brother's birthday.
As I sit with this bittersweet day, I'm reminded how grief isn't linear - it's not something you "get over" or "move past." It's something you learn to carry differently. Some days the weight feels impossible. Other days, like today, I feel grateful for the privilege of missing someone so deeply - because it means I was lucky enough to love them. Grief has taught me that healing doesn't mean forgetting. It means finding ways to honor what was while building something meaningful from what remains. My brother's protective spirit, his terrible jokes, his way of making everyone feel seen - these live on not as memories trapped in the past, but as qualities I try to embody every day. To anyone navigating loss: your grief is valid, however it shows up. There's no timeline, no "right way" to do this. Some days you'll feel strong, others you'll fall apart. Both are okay. Both are part of loving someone beyond their physical presence. Happy birthday, brother. Thank you for teaching me that love transcends everything - even goodbye. #GriefIsLove #HealingJourney #RememberingYou #MentalHealthMatters #griefsupport We just had an amazing discussion on death and dying. If you missed this months open forum, mark your calendar for 8pm eastern August 28th. Below is a brief summary for insight on topics.
A rising doula and I discussed work as death doulas and grief coaches, sharing experiences and insights about end-of-life services while exploring potential collaboration opportunities. We delved into topics like advanced directives, healthcare system limitations, and the importance of holistic care, with me offering expertise to support new business endeavors. The conversation concluded with discussions about death denial, medicalization of death, and plans for future Death Cafe events, including guidance on hosting and branding considerations. We discussed advanced directives and the unique aspects of death doula work, including examples like Ozzy Osbourne's directive for weekly black roses for Sharon. I shared my experience as a death doula in Jacksonville, Florida, highlighting the scarcity of doulas in the area and her focus on Florida-specific services. Collaboration on Healthcare Resources I shared information about caringinfo.com, a website containing state-specific resources and documents, and offered expertise to help a rising doula find specific information. We discussed potential collaboration opportunities, with interest in connecting with me due to my extensive background. Holistic Healthcare Access Challenges We discussed the limitations of the healthcare system, particularly how it covers doulas in birthing but not death, and the challenges of accessing holistic and functional medicine due to lack of insurance coverage. We agreed on the value of holistic care and the need to address the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. I also highlighted the addition of grief coaching to her services to support both the dying and their families. Death Doula Journey Discussion I shared personal journey into death work, which began in my teens facing difficult situations and later led to studying psychology, though she ultimately pursued a career in the legal field. A new death doula from Wyoming, explained how she connected with me through Facebook and is now starting her own death doula business. Understanding Death Denial in Society The group discussed death denial and death defying behaviors in society, with a participant introducing the concept of death denial and sharing his interest in Ernest Becker's book "The Denial of Death." A rising doula shared her perspective on how death has become medicalized, leading to a loss of connection with death as a natural human experience. We shared personal experiences with death, including losses of family members and close friends, which deepened their understanding of the topic. Ethical Dilemma in End-of-Life Care The discussion focused on a tragic case involving a hospital patient who was kept on life support for years against her wishes, which became a high-profile issue when it was discovered she was pregnant. The patient, an ICU nurse, had previously expressed her desire to be DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) but her family and POA overruled her wishes, leading to a prolonged legal and ethical debate. The case gained national attention, particularly in Florida, and highlighted the complex intersection of medical ethics, family rights, and legal considerations surrounding end-of-life decisions. I hope to see you in August! |
AuthorMarissa brings a deeply personal understanding to her work, drawing from her own trauma experience to inform her professional practice. As both a mother and daughter, she navigates multiple roles with insight and empathy, using her lived experiences to connect authentically with others. Her trauma-informed approach reflects not just professional training, but genuine understanding of healing and resilience. Marissa's unique perspective—shaped by personal journey and professional expertise—allows her to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and real-world experience, making her a compassionate advocate for those on their own paths to recovery. Archives
January 2026
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