MY STORY
My name is Miriam Rand from Albuquerque, New Mexico and I am looking forward to working with any grievers who wish to heal their hearts and find the courage to step outside of grief toward a more fulfilling life. I have learned that we all grieve in different ways and that our grieving is unique. Grief can happen when you move, lose a pet, change jobs, hurt your body or lose a loved one. All grief can be supported by taking the action suggested in the Grief Recovery Method. Those of us trained in this method can offer tools to move your toward healing, whatever loss you may have experienced. My journey to this program began after losing both a sister and brother unexpectedly.

"She's not going to make it" my brother told me as my sister was dying. the next week was a blur except for my granddaughter's reaction when I told her that she would always have 'Sissy' in her heart. With huge tears running down her face, she screamed "I don't want her in my heart, I want her at my birthday party." I held her and we cried together. At that point, I understood that my life was forever changed. My birthday parties would always be without her laugh, her playful games and her birthday songs. More importantly, I lost my best and most trusted friend. She had known me better, deeper and longer than anyone else in my life. Whenever there was news, uplifting or devastating, and all in between, she was always my first call, my most valiant supporter. And, besides, we had a deal...I was older and got to die first. Then, too shortly thereafter, I also lost my baby brother. There was no one in the world who could make me laugh harder than he could. He had a huge breadth of knowledge and became my most trusted source for information that was outside of usual and basic thought and conversation. His loss further accentuated my ongoing grief.

For months, actually years, I put on a happy face for all who knew and loved me so they wouldn't worry. But, when sleep was drawing near, I could only feel that empty place in my heart for both of my siblings. Would I ever heal and find some balance in my life?

I found the answer through the Grief Recovery Method. Now, that I have experienced the new learning and tools offered by this method, I am better. Though I carry my sister and brother with me always, I am no longer in the pain I felt after her death. My journey, though never too far away, feels completed and no longer crippling. The tools are useful to me with all of my relationships and I turn to them whenever I need clarity and a way to be released from being stuck or focusing on unfinished business. This Method provides a map and a pep rally toward joy. I am so grateful .

Now, a little more about me. I came to Albuquerque, New Mexico over 30 years ago. I have lived in the Midwest where I was born, the NE where I attended undergraduate school at Boston College, the South where I earned my Master’s Degree from Duke University and now, New Mexico. This wonderful land of Enchantment and "Entrapment" as we locals say, is now my forever home.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a focus on Education. I have been working as a therapist and educator for almost 30 years. My professional life has centered around counseling at-risk youth, family therapy and adoption. Although I will continue to do some of that work, my practice has now grown to include the grief work as a specialist for The Grief Recovery Method.