INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL GRIEF COACHING  |  IOPGC

The Institute of Professional Grief Coaching (IOPGC) is a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming the way individuals and professionals understand, navigate, and coach others through grief. Established as a beacon of hope and empowerment, the IOPGC offers cutting-edge programs and resources that bridge the gap between loss and renewal, fostering an environment where grief is not just a process to endure but an opportunity to grow.

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At its core, the IOPGC is more than an educational institution. It is a movement that empowers people to view grief as an integral part of the human experience—a journey that, while deeply challenging, offers opportunities for personal insight and transformation.

 

 

Mission Statement

The IOPGC is committed to equipping individuals, professionals, and organizations with a heart-centered, non-therapeutic approach to navigating grief. Our mission is to transform the experience of grief into a journey of empowerment and gratitude, fostering self-discovery, growth, and renewed purpose. Our programs guide individuals on a transformative journey from pain to peace, heartbreak to happiness, and grief to gratitude.

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Our Philosophy

Grief is universal yet deeply personal. It does not adhere to a timetable, nor does it follow a linear path. At the IOPGC, we believe that grief is a multifaceted experience that, when met with compassion and skillful support, can lead to profound transformation. Our philosophy emphasizes:

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• Understanding Grief as a Process: Grief is not a problem to solve or fix, but a process to experience. It involves acknowledging pain, honoring loss, and embracing the hope of renewal.

• Empowering Through Coaching: Coaching differs from counseling or therapy. It is future-focused, action-oriented, and grounded in the belief that individuals possess the inner resources to move forward, even in the face of profound loss.

• Fostering Gratitude: By shifting perspectives, individuals can uncover gratitude in their experiences, helping them find purpose and meaning even amidst pain.

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Core Offerings

The IOPGC provides a comprehensive suite of programs designed to empower grief coaches, corporate leaders, and individuals.

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From Grief to Gratitude Coach Certification Program

Accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), this flagship From Grief to Gratitude Coach Certification Program equips participants with the tools and techniques to become certified grief coaches.

• What Participants Learn:

  • Foundations of grief and its psychological, emotional, and social impacts.

  • Coaching frameworks to guide clients from despair to gratitude.

  • Effective listening, questioning, and goal-setting skills to facilitate healing.

• Target Audience:

  • Life coaches, counselors, social workers, clergy, and anyone passionate about supporting others through grief.

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Corporate Programs: Grief in the Workplace

Addressing grief in professional environments, these programs help managers, HR professionals, and leaders understand the impact of grief on productivity and morale.

• Key Focus Areas Exclusively for Small Businesses:

  • Creating a compassionate workplace culture.

  • Practical strategies for supporting grieving employees.

  • Addressing grief-related challenges in diverse cultural and organizational contexts.

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Resources and Support Materials

• Books like Grief Doesn’t Have to Be Dark: A Guide to Finding Light in Loss and Grief in the Workplace: The Small Business Manager’s Guide to Compassionate Leadership.

• Reflection journals and specialized short courses on topics such as pet loss grief.

 

 

Who Do We Serve?

Grief Coaches

Our ICF-accredited grief coach certification program empowers coaches to guide clients through grief with confidence, compassion, and purpose. Certified coaches leave equipped with tools to support clients in diverse settings, from personal coaching sessions to group workshops.

 

Corporate Leaders

Workplaces are often unprepared to address grief, yet it is an inevitable part of life. By partnering with corporate clients, the IOPGC helps organizations foster environments where employees feel supported, reducing turnover and enhancing morale.

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Individuals Experiencing Loss

Through our resources, individuals learn to embrace grief as an act of love and a journey toward gratitude. Our materials offer solace, inspiration, and actionable steps for navigating loss.

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Our Founder: Dora Carpenter

The heart of the IOPGC is its founder, Dora Carpenter, a trailblazer in grief coaching who has dedicated her life to transforming how people navigate loss. Respected as a trusted voice in the field of grief coaching, she is a certified professional coach, author, and speaker who believes in the power of vulnerability, empathy, and hope.

 

Author and Innovator

Dora’s extensive portfolio of books, programs, and courses highlights her ability to translate complex emotions into accessible, transformative insights. Her work resonates with a wide audience, making her a sought-after authority in grief and personal development. Her book, Grief Talk Revolution: It’s Time to Talk About the Elephant in the Room has been endorsed by Jack Canfield, best-selling author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

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Visionary Leader

Under Dora’s leadership, the IOPGC has become synonymous with excellence in grief coaching. Her innovative programs are designed to empower both coaches and clients, creating a ripple effect of healing and transformation.

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Why Choose the IOPGC?​

1. Accreditation and Credibility:
   As an ICF-accredited grief coach certification program, the From Grief to Gratitude Coach Certification Program ensures that IOPGC meets the highest professional standards.

2. Comprehensive Approach:
   Our programs address the emotional, practical, and cultural dimensions of grief, offering a non-therapeutic, heart-centered path to healing.

3. Personalized Support:
   Whether you are a coach seeking grief coach certification or an individual looking for solace, the IOPGC provides tailored resources and compassionate guidance.

4. Community and Connection:
   Becoming part of the From Grief to Gratitude Community means joining a supportive community of like-minded professionals and individuals who share a commitment to grief coaching support and growth.

5. Commitment to Innovation:
   From mini courses to corporate workshops, the IOPGC continually develops new ways to address the evolving needs of those navigating grief.

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Looking Ahead

As the IOPGC celebrates eight years of empowering individuals and professionals, it remains steadfast in its vision to revolutionize the way grief is understood and addressed. Future initiatives include expanded online courses, deeper corporate partnerships, and the ongoing development of tools that support personal and professional growth.

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The Institute of Professional Grief Coaching invites you to be part of this transformative journey. Whether you are seeking to make a difference in others' lives or navigate your own loss, the IOPGC stands as a partner in navigating the journey of loss and cultivating a life of meaning, purpose, and growth.

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