Certified Grief Educator

Healing Through Understanding: Embracing Grief as a Part of Life

Grief is not something to ‘fix’-it’s something to understand. Let me help you navigate it with clarity and compassion.

For over 20 years, my professional experience, personal losses, and mental health challenges have shaped my deep understanding of grief and my capacity to support those in pain. I see grief in a person’s physicality, and I hear it in their words. Yet, in our society, grief is often unspoken, despite being an inherent part of being human.
To heal from grief, we need to move through it—not avoid or bypass it. Talking about grief and loss allows us to process emotions, find relief, and move forward in life while honoring our life transitions and the memories of those we have loved and lost.
I am here to guide you through this process with compassion, understanding, and care. Together, we’ll explore what grief means for you and uncover a path toward clarity and healing.

Take the first step toward understanding your grief with compassionate guidance.

What is a Certified Grief Educator?

As a Certified Grief Educator, I provide compassionate guidance and education to help individuals understand and navigate the complexities of grief. My role is not that of a counselor or therapist but that of an educator and guide, offering insights, tools, and support to those facing the challenges of loss.
I am certified through a program developed by David Kessler, one of the world’s leading grief experts, whose methodology and decades of experience form the foundation of my approach. Grief isn’t limited to the loss of a loved one—it can also stem from changes in health, relationships, dreams, or other significant life transitions.
Through education and understanding, I help people make sense of their grief and find pathways to greater clarity and comfort in a safe, non-clinical space. Together, we explore grief as a natural part of life, acknowledging its impact and honoring its presence.

FAQ

  • A Certified Grief Educator is committed to providing the highest level of grief support through education, insights, and tools. This certification is part of a program created by David Kessler, one of the world’s leading grief experts.

  • I am not a counselor or therapist. My role as a Certified Grief Educator is to provide guidance and education, helping individuals better understand their grief and navigate its challenges without clinical or therapeutic intervention. I am not a licensed counselor, therapist, or mental health professional. As a Certified Grief Educator, my role is to provide grief education, emotional support, and tools for understanding and healing. If you are in crisis or need mental health support, please contact a licensed therapist or call 1-844-HERE247 18444373247 anytime for support in Waterloo Wellington region. Please visit my mental health resources page for additional support. ursuladarby.com/mental-health-resources

  • My experiences from childhood to today, have profoundly impacted me. For many years, I have been searching for ways to heal my pain and support others who have experienced profound loss. Throughout my 20 + year career, I have witnessed my clients' suffering, emotional duress, and loss. I have finally found what I was looking for through David Kessler’s course. My personal and professional experiences have transformed me and led me to pursue this certification.

Understanding Grief: It’s More Than Just Loss

Grief shows up in many forms: the end of a relationship, losing a job, a financial setback, or even unmet dreams. It’s a natural response to change or loss in our lives. 
Grief can affect your sleep, appetite, energy, and even your relationships. It’s important to understand these effects to begin healing.
Grief may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to help you make sense of it, honor it, and move forward with greater understanding.

As a certified grief educator, my role is to help you understand your grief, feel seen and heard, and navigate your unique journey toward healing.

How Can I Help You Heal

  • I provide a compassionate, judgment-free space where you can openly explore your grief.
  • We’ll identify and understand the emotions tied to your loss.
  • I’ll guide you toward tools and strategies for healing.

Testimonials

It was a truly comforting and enlightening experience. Losing my poppy has been incredibly difficult, but this session helped me connect with my feelings and find new ways to cope with my grief. The insights and guidance gave me a sense of peace and hope.

Christine Ryder

Ursula was able to normalize grief in a meaningful way.

Davrielle Salsberg

I can say without hesitation that it was an eye-opening and deeply moving experience. It was a super comforting and very validating to hear more ways to deal with grief.

Danielle Onisto