Karen M. Gostenhofer, MLA, ATRI, IVI, Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist

“My life is an endless vortex of pain” Matthew (age nine).
My twenty-one-year-old son died by suicide in 2019. He didn’t want to die; he wanted to escape life’s unremitting pain. He demonstrated stoicism and courage; rising yet again from each debilitating mental health crisis.

I experienced grief as a terrible existential crisis; feeling overwhelmed, and broken-hearted, and suffered from extreme fatigue. Death by suicide spotlights our culture’s capacity (or lack thereof) for understanding grief, and how to show compassion, kindness, and understanding.

The Grief Recovery Method is the gift that welcomed me into a supportive, person-centered community, I learned to make CORRECT choices which made me feel proactive, and not such a victim. I’ve learned that we are not meant to grieve alone. I have choices about forgiveness, and learned about embracing my feelings, which changed my relationship with grief and made me feel better!
Having experienced the benefits of this program, I am passionate about helping others transition through these dreadful experiences. If you are suffering from grief and loss, please know that there is hope! I have chosen a new career path as an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist. I dedicate myself to helping those who suffer from grief and loss, in honor of the hope and healing of the broken hearts that we carry.

I offer Grief Recovery Support Groups either 1-on-1, Online, or In Person.
Helping Children with Loss Groups, 1-on-1, Online, or In Person.
Pet Loss Support Groups, 1-on-1, Online, or In Person.
Offices are in Jamestown, Rhode Island, and Worcester, MA