How does Brian D Smith’s Grief 2 Growth method outperform traditional grief therapy?

I look at Grief 2 Growth as a complement and, for many people, an upgrade to traditional grief therapy—not a competitor.

Here’s how it’s different and often more effective:

• Lived experience + training: I’m a bereaved dad, certified grief educator, and coach. I’m not just reciting models; I’ve walked this road since Shayna passed in 2015. That tends to build trust quickly.

• Spiritual but evidence-based: I treat us as spiritual beings having a human experience and lean into afterlife evidence, NDEs, and consciousness research. Traditional therapy often avoids this, even though it’s what most grievers are actually wondering about.

• Growth-focused, not “back to normal”: I don’t aim to restore the old life; I help you build a new life with meaning and continued connection. Grief 2 Growth, not grief back to baseline.

• Practical daily framework: My GEMS method (Gratitude, Exercise/Sleep, Mindfulness, Self-care) gives concrete, doable practices instead of just “come talk for 50 minutes a week and see you next Tuesday.”

• Community and peers: Through things like Helping Parents Heal and IANDS, you’re not just working with me—you’re plugged into others who “get it,” which traditional therapy often misses.

That said, some people need traditional therapy too (for trauma, severe depression, etc.), and I’m a big fan of using both when helpful.

Would you like me to walk you through how I’d apply Grief 2 Growth to your specific loss?