As you know, grief comes with a multitude of emotions. Oftentimes, the journey feels overwhelming, today I want to offer you a valuable coping tool called the RAIN technique. Think of it as a compass for your feelings during times of grief, it is a practice that involves being fully present in the moment without judgment.

Let’s delve into the RAIN technique:

Step 1: Recognize what’s happening.  Picture yourself in a vast landscape, and scattered across this landscape are the various emotions associated with your grief. The first step is to acknowledge these emotions. Just as you’d notice landmarks in that landscape, you begin by recognizing what you’re thinking, feeling, and sensing in relation to your loss.

Step 2: Allow the emotions to flow.  In the realm of grief, there’s a natural instinct to resist or control our emotions. Allowing means permitting yourself to feel whatever emotions are coming up for you: sadness, anger,  confusion, etc. without judgment.

Step 3: Investigate your experience with love and kindness. Imagine you’re gently exploring the layers of your own emotional landscape, just as an explorer would in a new and unfamiliar territory. Be compassionate and patient with yourself. Where do you feel it in your body? Ask yourself why am I feeling this?

Step 4: Not identifying with the experience. Often, when grieving, it’s easy to feel consumed by the emotions and identify ourselves solely through them. However, it’s crucial to remember that you are not defined by your grief. There you have it! The RAIN technique is a bit like carrying an emotional umbrella. It helps you notice, understand, and process your feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. Through this approach, you can better comprehend and navigate the complexities of grief, ultimately allowing you to honor your emotions and memories while retaining a sense of self amid the process.

Are you wondering what grief coaching can do for you?

Emotional support: Grief is an intense and overwhelming experience, and having someone to provide empathetic and nonjudgmental support is incredibly helpful. As your grief coach I will listen actively, validate your emotions, and create a safe space for you to express your feelings without fear or hesitation.

Education and normalization: Grief is a complex and confusing journey, as your grief coach I will help you understand the various emotions, physical sensations, and cognitive processes that commonly occur during grief. I will provide education on the grieving process, normalize your experiences, and help you navigate the different stages and aspects of your grief.

Developing coping strategies: Together we will develop effective coping strategies to manage the emotional and practical challenges that arise during grief. I will provide you with tools and techniques to help you regulate your emotions, practice self-care, and navigate the daily difficulties associated with loss.

Goal setting and action planning: We will work to identify specific goals and intentions for your grief journey. This will lead to clarity in what you want to achieve, create a roadmap for moving forward, and support you in taking meaningful actions towards healing and rebuilding your life.

Encouragement and motivation:Grief can be a long and challenging process, and it’s common to experience moments of discouragement or a lack of motivation. I will provide encouragement, motivation, and accountability, helping you stay focused on your healing journey and providing support when you feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Life transition and rebuilding: Grief often involves significant life transitions and adjustments. As your coach I will assist you in navigating these changes, such as making decisions, finding new meaning and purpose, redefining relationships, and exploring new possibilities for your future. I will help you rebuild your life in a way that honors your loss while also embracing growth and resilience.