Mother Loss Grief Coaching with Dr. Caroline P. Cárdenas

There is a tender space between heartbreak and healing, where sorrow lives alongside resilience. In that space, meaningful transformation becomes possible. Unlike psychotherapy—which often involves diagnosing and treating clinical mental health conditions—mother loss grief coaching provides a forward-focused approach that honors your experience without pathologizing it. Through gentle, compassionate guidance, we explore not only the deep ache of loss, but also the radiant pockets of joy that can still be found amid grief. This work respects the uniqueness of each individual’s grief journey and creates a safe container for your personal goals, insights, and growth.

My calling as a mother loss grief coach is deeply rooted in my own story. I lost my beloved mother when I was 21 years old, just three months after her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Amid the loneliness and uncertainty, I sought solace through therapy, movement, self-compassion, and eventually, the transformative power of play. Years later, this path led me to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology, where my dissertation—“The Significance of Play in Restoring Compassion”—revealed how play and imagination nurture joy, connection, and belonging. With over two decades as an oncology and hospice nurse, I’ve borne witness to countless stories of loss and resilience; these experiences inform my holistic, culturally humble approach to guiding others through the heartbreak of mother loss. In our sessions, we’ll work together to honor the full spectrum of grief, find pathways toward deeper understanding, and cultivate enduring hope.

Now residing on the island of Kaua’i, with its natural beauty, tranquil surroundings, and a community infused with the aloha spirit, I remain devoted to cultivating sanctuaries of healing through play, facilitation, coaching, and meaningful connection. Together, we uncover the threads of resilience, mutuality, and the deeper meaning that emerges when we honor our shared humanity in both sorrow and solace.

Whether through private one-on-one sessions, group gatherings, or nationwide seminars, my mission is to ensure you feel seen and uplifted. If you sense the need for a compassionate companion on your grief journey—someone who can hold a safe space for both heartbreak and healing—I invite you to join me. Together, we’ll explore your experience with grief, rediscover pockets of joy, and weave a new understanding of what it means to live fully—even in the midst of profound loss.