THE GRIEF INSTITUTE
ENCOMPASS Your grief
ENCOMPASS Your Grief is a 10 week online group program that helps people manage the emotions and thoughts that may come up when someone is faced with loss. ENCOMPASS Your Grief is a comprehensive framework that incorporates a mind-body-spirit approach to navigating the complex journey of grief.
BY MARIDA ETHERINGTON MScN
Certified Grief Educator, Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher
ENCOMPASS Your grief IS FOR YOU IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH...
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A loss within your life that's creating feelings of grief – A constant ache or emptiness that makes daily life feel different, challenging or unfamiliar.
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Struggling with emotions – Waves of sadness, overwhelm, moments of anger, or even unexpected guilt that come and go.
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Feeling misunderstood – A sense that others may not fully grasp the depth of the loss, leading to loneliness.
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Difficulty finding words for grief – Struggling to express emotions or experiences, making it hard to talk about the loss.
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Wishing for connection and support – Longing to be around others who truly understand, without needing to explain.
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Looking for hope and meaning – Seeking comfort, reassurance, or ways to navigate life after loss.
AND IF YOU'RE DESIRING...
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A sense of connection – Feeling less alone by being with others who understand.
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A safe space to share – A gentle and supportive environment to express thoughts and emotions without judgment.
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Comfort in knowing emotions and thoughts are normal – Reassurance that grief takes many forms and that all feelings are valid.
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Learning new ways to cope – Learning gentle strategies, practices and tools to navigate difficult moments and find moments of peace.
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Honoring and remembering – Finding meaningful ways to keep a connection with the person who has passed and/or the situation that has been lost.
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A renewed sense of hope – Gradually discovering light in the midst of loss and the possibility of healing.
HI I'M MARIDA
FOUNDER OF THE GRIEF INSTITUTE,
Certified Grief Educator, Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher
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I have been working with clients experiencing grief for many years. As a nurse I saw first hand clients who were experiencing loss, grief and overwhelm. In the hospital setting I didn’t always have time to sit with clients and support them in a way that I would have liked and believe would have been helpful. In my private practice I have the time and honour to work with clients at their pace as they share about their grief and loss. Clients are the experts of their lives and I am there to offer help as they reflect, build greater insight and awareness about their unique situation. Over the years based on my work with clients and courses I have taken, I have put together strategies that I believe help those who are grieving and that is how the ENCOMPASS Your grief framework was created.
After my father passed away there were many things that I knew could help me with my grief. Truthfully being the “expert” did not make the pain easier. I slowly began to use strategies from ENCOMPASS and I was able to find moments of peace, hope and laughter. My go-to has always been journaling and meditation to cope with stress and anxiety. With grief I found that these strategies and others are also helpful.
My passion comes from not wanting people to feel alone when they are experiencing grief. This work also allows me to honour my dad and keep his memory alive. I would like clients to know that they do not have to be alone in their grief and that they can both grieve and live fully. I would like clients to feel inspired and empowered. I want people to know that they are important, that their grief is important and that their healing is important. That in grief we can grow and that even with pain, life can still contain joy.
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The strategies that I share are meant to help increase awareness and insight. And to provide moments of peace and calm when everything may feel out of control. I want clients to learn strategies that will help them with their grief and their healing. For them to learn strategies and use them to bring them moments of joy throughout their day. I don’t want to pretend that grief will go away or that we ever completely heal..healing is a process and there is no set timeline for this.
Grief is unique to you and the relationship you have with your loved one and/or the situation that has been lost. No one can take away your grief and no one can truly understand what you are going through, even if they have experienced a similar loss. But you do not have to grieve alone. This program can provide support and strategies that can help on your grief journey.
This program will provide education about grief, strategies that can help on your grief journey and ways to care for yourself as you navigate grief.
Just “Be”:
Be with your grief
Be yourself
Be with others
Marida Etherington
What the program includes...
10 week online group program
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Weekly teachings about grief
Weekly PDF and video teachings about thoughts and feelings that may come up on your grief journey​
Coping strategies that can help with grief
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Weekly activities and journaling exercises laid out in an easy-to-follow manner
Weekly Group coaching calls to explore and discuss feelings that come up with grief
THE ENCOMPASS Your grief PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Module ONE: Empowerment
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What empowerment means on your grief journey and why it’s important
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How to actively engage in your grief journey
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Personalized coping strategies to navigate grief with greater ease and resilience
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How to cultivate inner strength and adaptability while honoring the memory of what was lost
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The importance of communication—learning to express your needs, set boundaries, and seek support from others
Module TWO: Nurture
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How to cultivate self-compassion and embrace your emotions without judgment
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The most effective healthy coping mechanisms to support your emotional and physical well-being during grief
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Mindfulness and stress-management techniques to ease anxiety and overwhelm (practices & instructions provided to focus on for the week)
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How to establish simple self-care habits and routines to bring stability and balance to your daily life
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Included: Guided MP3 Meditation to Nurture Yourself
Module THREE: Connect
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How to embrace the full spectrum of emotions in grief—without judgment or resistance
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The importance of consistent self-care and simple ways to support your emotional, mental, and physical well-being
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How to practice self-compassion and release guilt or self-criticism as you navigate your healing journey
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Meaningful ways to honor your loss while allowing space for growth and new experiences
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How to build a strong support network and remain open to adapting as grief shifts over time
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Included: Self-Compassion Guided MP3 Meditation
Module FOUR: Openness
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How to navigate change and manage feelings of uncertainty as you adjust to life after loss
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The role of mindset in grief—understanding what’s within your control and how to release what isn’t
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Practices to let go of fears and manage the challenges of daily life with more ease (practice instructions provided to focus on for the week)
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How to embrace new possibilities, relationships, and perspectives that support your emotional well-being
Module FIVE: Memories
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How to honor the past by reflecting on cherished memories and their significance in your journey
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We have to feel to heal: Ways to feel and process emotions tied to loss and recognize their role in your healing process (practice instructions provided)
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How to find meaning in your experiences and uncover the personal growth that can come through grief
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The power of integrating memories in a way that brings comfort, connection, and resilience
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Meaningful rituals and practices that help you honor your loss while continuing to move forward
Module SIX: Permission to Pause
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How to give yourself space to acknowledge and process emotions without judgment
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The importance of emotional awareness and allowing grief to unfold rather than suppressing it
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Gentle techniques to mindfully explore your feelings in a way that supports healing
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Why rest and reflection are essential parts of the grieving process—and how to embrace them without guilt
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Practice for the week: Allowing yourself to pause, feel and rest without judgement (instructions provided)
Module SEVEN: Acceptance
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What true acceptance means in grief and what it is not — how to acknowledge the reality of loss while still allowing space for healing and growth
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How to embrace grief as an evolving journey, understanding that acceptance doesn’t mean forgetting but learning to live with loss in a new way
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The role of self-reflection in processing emotions and recognizing the personal changes that come with grief - Self-Reflection journaling practice included
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Ways to integrate grief into your life in a way that fosters peace, meaning, and a renewed sense of purpose
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Included: Practicing Acceptance MP3 Guided Meditation
Module EIGHT: Self-Compassion
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How to treat yourself with kindness and understanding rather than self-criticism during grief
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The importance of acknowledging and validating emotions without judgment or the need to "fix" them
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How to release guilt and unrealistic expectations around grief, allowing yourself to heal at your own pace
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The practice of mindful acceptance—embracing grief as it unfolds while also welcoming moments of peace and joy without guilt
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Included: Journaling Practice for Self-Compassion + Practicing Self-Compassion Guided MP3 Meditation
Module NINE: Self-Care
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How to nurture yourself through grief by creating space for healing and reflection
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The importance of emotional self-care and ways to process emotions in a supportive and healthy way
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How to care for your body during grief by prioritizing rest, nourishment, and movement
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The role of social self-care—seeking connection with supportive people while setting boundaries when needed
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How to practice mindful self-compassion, allowing grief to unfold naturally while embracing patience and kindness toward yourself
Module TEN: Moving Forward & Wrap-Up
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How to recognize your empowerment and emotional resilience, allowing you to navigate future challenges with greater strength and adaptability
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How to continue practicing mindfulness, self-compassion & acceptance, helping you stay present and move forward while honoring the past
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The importance of continued community, support and relationships that create meaning and connection & how to create this in your life
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How to find new meaning and purpose after loss, discovering passions and goals that align with your personal growth
Registration
Registration for all September online programs will be opening Summer 2025. Sign up to the mailing list below to get notified when registration opens.
Program FAQ's
Q: Who is this program suitable for?
A: Anyone who has experienced a loss.
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Q:What do we define as a loss?​
A: Something that we didn't want to happen. For some this will mean the loss of a loved one. For others it might be a change in health, loss of a job, the loss of what could have been, a divorce, end of a friendship, a change we didn't want.
Q: Is there a cost to join the group?
A: The 10 week program is $347 and hosted on a secure online platform.
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Q: Do I need to commit to attending every session?
A: No, attendance is flexible. If you are unable to attend the weekly Live call, there will be video recordings available each week.
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Q: Will my information remain confidential?
A: Yes, confidentiality is a key part of our group. We ask all members to respect privacy and not share anything discussed outside the group.
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Q: What happens during a typical session?
A: Sessions usually begin with a brief check-in, followed by a guided discussion or topic, and end with a closing reflection. Sharing is encouraged but never required.
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Q: Do I have to talk or share my story?
A: No, sharing is optional. You can listen and participate at your own comfort level.
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Q: What types of topics are discussed?
A: Topics may include coping strategies, navigating grief milestones, dealing with emotions, and finding meaning after loss.
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Q: Who facilitates the group?
A: The group is led by Marida Etherington (certified grief educator, meditation teacher and a nurse with over 30 years of experience).
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Q: Can I participate if I’m not comfortable on video?
A: Yes, you can join with your camera off or participate through chat if you prefer. You also have the option of purchasing the program and working through it at your own pace without the Live weekly group component (one time payment of $197).
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Q: How long does each session last?
A: Sessions typically last 60 minutes.
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Q: Will there be resources or support available outside the sessions?
A: Yes, we provide PDF handouts and audio recordings.
THE GRIEF INSTITUTE
The Grief Institute is dedicated to supporting those navigating both anticipatory grief—the emotions that arise before an expected loss—and the grief that follows, offering a compassionate space for healing, understanding, and growth. We know that grief can occur from the loss of loved ones, however grief can also arise from many types of significant loss. This can include relationship endings, divorce, job loss, life transitions, grieving past versions of yourself, empty nest syndrome, and more. At the Grief Institute, we support you in working through grief for any type of loss you may be facing. Founded with a deep passion for helping those who are grieving, The Grief Institute recognizes that grief can often feel isolating and misunderstood. In a society that struggles to talk about loss, we aim to change the conversation—normalizing grief as a natural response. Through our workbooks, classes, and online programs, we offer tools and guidance to help individuals navigate their emotions with greater acceptance, easing feelings of overwhelm and loneliness as well as a community to connect with who are on a similar journey. At The Grief Institute, we believe that grief, when acknowledged and embraced, can be a transformative part of life’s journey.
About Your Guide
Marida Etherington MScN
FOUNDER OF THE GRIEF INSTITUTE,
Certified Grief Educator, Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher
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I guide individuals through the complexities of loss with insight and kindness. With an understanding of grief’s many forms, I offer gentle support, education, and tools to help people navigate their unique journeys. I strive to provide a a safe space for healing, honoring each person’s experience with warmth and care.
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Certifications & Trainings:
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Grief Educator Certificate Program with David Kessler
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Complicated Grief Treatment Certificate: A Case-Based Approach at the Center for Complicated Grief
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Mindfulness & Meditation Certification YOGARENEW
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Megan Devine’s Grief Care Professional Certificate Program
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Advanced Grief Counseling Certification Course: Interventions to Move Clients Toward Healthy Grieving, Growth and Meaning After Loss with Diana Sebzda & Christina Zampitella
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Finding Meaning in Loss: The Sixth Stage of Grief with David Kessler
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The Missing Stage of Grief: Clinical Strategies to Overcome Anxiety in the Wake of Loss with Claire Bidwell Smith
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EMDR for Grief and Loss with Rebecca Kase
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Grief after Suicide: Transition Survivors from “Why?” to “What’s Next?” with Rita Schulte
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Grief Work in Virtual Settings: New Tools to Create Support and Connection with Alissa Drescher
