We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Terri Chaplin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Terri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Sitting in my office, at the end of a long day spent helping others navigate their darkest moments of grief, I felt like something was missing. As a grief coach, I had dedicated my life to empowering individuals to heal and find hope in the aftermath of loss or major life change. On this day, I was working with a client whose story was heartbreakingly familiar—a story of loss, pain, and a desperate search for meaning. As I listened to her, offering words of comfort and strategies to cope, a sudden thought struck me out of no where.

At the end of our session, I sat in silence, feeling the weight of each story I had heard over the years. It dawned on me that as much as I was helping, I was just one person. My calendar was filled to the brim, my energy stretched thin, and yet there were still countless people out there who needed support, guidance, and healing. I had a dream—one that was far bigger than the confines of my office or the number of hours I could offer in a day. I wanted to impact thousands, even millions, who were grieving, but my current reality as a solo grief coach was making that impossible.

I remember sitting back in my chair, staring out the window of my office dreaming of the possibilities. It was then, in that moment of quiet reflection, that I had my AHA moment. What if, instead of trying to be everywhere at once, I could create a movement? What if I could empower others to join me on this journey? I realized that the most powerful way to make a meaningful impact was to multiply my efforts—not by cloning myself, but by training others who shared my passion for supporting others through grief.

That’s when the idea of the Healing Hearts Master Grief Coach Certification Program was born.

The path from idea to implementation was neither easy nor straightforward. I was driven by a deep sense of purpose but knew that creating a program that truly empowered others to offer effective grief support would take more than just a series of lessons or workshops. It would require a carefully crafted curriculum, one that blended insights with practical coaching techniques and embodied the essence of compassion, empathy, and understanding.

I poured my heart into it. I spent countless hours researching, writing, and rewriting the content to ensure it was not only comprehensive but transformative. I studied experts in grief therapy, psychology, and coaching to gather insights and refine the program. I wanted those who completed this program to feel not only competent but confident in their ability to support others in the most vulnerable times of their lives.

My vision was to create a ripple effect. By empowering other coaches with the credibility, expertise, and resources to do this important work, I would indirectly touch the lives of thousands more who needed help navigating their grief. I was no longer just one grief coach; I was becoming the leader of a movement.

Months of hard work and dedication paid off when the Healing Hearts Master Grief Coach Certification Program earned the premier quality distance learning accreditation from the CTAA (Complementary Therapists Accredited Association). This accreditation was not just a stamp of approval; it was proof that the curriculum was valuable, effective, and met the highest standards of education. It validated all the love, care, and effort I had put into creating something that could change the world of grief support.

When the first group of coaches graduated, it was one of the most fulfilling moments of my career. I watched them go out into the world, armed with the knowledge, skills, and passion to make a difference. I realized that my dream had finally grown beyond the walls of my small office. The impact I once thought was limited by my capacity as an individual was now limitless, carried forward by the hearts of others.

Today, the Healing Hearts Master Grief Coach Certification Program stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and the desire to create a legacy of healing. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest way to amplify your impact is to invest in the potential of others. And that realization, that AHA moment, was the defining shift that transformed my career from being just one person making an impact, to being a catalyst for widespread, meaningful change.

Terri, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Terri Chaplin, a best-selling author and master grief coach, and the creator of Healing Hearts Community. I founded Living in Gratitude with TLC, where we guide individuals through their grief journeys with compassion and empathy. My journey into grief coaching began through personal loss; I lost my husband and my son, seven years apart, which profoundly shaped my path and purpose. These experiences deeply embedded a passion in me to support others through their grief.

I offer a variety of services tailored to those experiencing loss and the complexities of grief. This includes private coaching through my Healing Hearts Pathway Program, the comprehensive online course Grief to Growth, and the Healing Hearts Master Grief Coach Certification program for those who wish to support others in their grief journeys professionally. Each offering is designed to meet people where they are in their grief, providing them tools and strategies to heal, thrive, and find renewal after loss.

What sets me apart in the field of grief coaching is my deeply personal approach and the breadth of my programs. I don’t just educate; I walk alongside my clients, sharing the very strategies that helped me transform my pain into purpose. My methods are not only informed by personal experience but are also backed by extensive research and proven psychological practices.

I am most proud of the impact my work has had on the lives of those I’ve coached. From individuals seeking to find meaning after loss to professionals aspiring to provide grief support, the feedback has been profoundly gratifying. Witnessing the transformation and growth in people who once felt overwhelmed by their grief is truly the most rewarding aspect of my work.

For anyone getting to know my brand, I want them to understand that grief is a profoundly personal journey, but no one needs to walk it alone. Through Living in Gratitude with TLC, we offer a pathway to healing that is compassionate, comprehensive, and deeply respectful of the unique nature of each person’s grief. My goal is to normalize the conversation around grief and equip others with the resilience and tools needed to embrace life after loss.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A profound lesson I had to unlearn after losing my son Tyler, was the belief that moving forward meant leaving his memory behind. This is a common misconception in grief—one that I encounter often in my work with others, and one that I faced myself. In the early stages of my grief, I felt that finding joy or engaging fully in life would somehow dishonor his memory or suggest that I had moved on from him.

The process of unlearning this began painfully and slowly. It involved deep self-reflection and a commitment to understanding the depths of my grief. Through this I learned to navigate my emotions and transform my grief into a journey of personal growth and understanding. It taught me that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting; it means carrying the love and memories with us in a way that honors our loved ones and supports our own healing.

This transformation has been central to my approach in supporting others through their grief, helping them to see that moving forward can mean carrying their loved ones with them in their hearts, reflected in how they live and grow. This perspective change is key to finding peace and purpose after loss, and it’s something I focus on deeply in my work.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the grief coaching market largely stemmed from a blend of personal experience, professional dedication, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of others. Here are a few key aspects that I believe were instrumental:

Authenticity and Personal Experience: Sharing my own story of loss openly and honestly helped me connect with others on a deeply personal level. This vulnerability not only fostered trust but also demonstrated that I truly understand the complexities of grief from a firsthand perspective.

Quality of Content and Programming: Developing comprehensive and compassionate programs like the Healing Hearts Pathway Program and the Grief to Growth online course ensured that I offered not just support but also practical, actionable tools for navigating grief. This focus on tangible outcomes and real-world applicability of my teachings has been crucial.

Education and Certification: Investing in my own education and subsequently offering a Master Grief Coach Certification program added a layer of credibility and professionalism to my work. This not only expanded my knowledge but also equipped others to spread compassionate grief support more widely.

Community Building and Engagement: Utilizing social media and regular interaction through various platforms helped in building a community where people felt supported and understood. Providing a space for shared experiences and growth fosters a sense of belonging and continuous engagement.

Consistency and Visibility: Being consistent in my message about normalizing grief and showing up regularly in spaces where grief is discussed—whether in podcasts, workshops, or articles—helped in maintaining and growing my presence in the field.

Client Success Stories: Showcasing the transformations and testimonials of those who have benefitted from my coaching has been powerful. Witnessing real-life examples of healing and renewal encourages others to engage with my services and trust in the process.

These elements, combined with a heart-centered approach to every interaction, have been central to building my reputation as a trusted grief coach. By continuously striving to provide value and understanding, I’ve been able to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those dealing with loss.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myhealingheartscommunity.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrilynnchaplin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terri.chaplin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-terri-chaplin-54043352/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFyETVDfn2z1QgSAHySnY6g
• Other: https://www.livingingratitudewithtlc.com