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Grief is the natural and difficult reaction to a loss of something important in our lives. The way we handle grief is extremely personal. I work with children, adults, and families through their mourning process. Everyone’s journey through grief is different, and it is very normal to experience things like difficulty concentrating, having conversations, sleeping, eating, and doing everyday tasks. Many of us, when faced with grief, feel anxious, depressed, angry, and even the smallest things can be triggering.
Our culture often struggles to understand and appropriately deal with these scary and harrowing feelings. Society’s bandaids of messaging, like, “time will heal,” “the person has gone to a better place,” “the person has just gone to sleep” (often told to children), and “you should be over this by now, it’s been a year,” rarely aid us through our grieving periods. No two losses are the same. There is no expiration date on grief nor linear stages of grief. Every loss is different, regardless of how a person leaves us.
Pioneers in the field, like Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, have contributed positively to our understanding of bereavement and healing, but there is no perfect or chronological way through the healing process. Often we feel we are not far enough along in our grieving process, but the most important thing we can do is acknowledge and respect where we are in the moment. Speaking with other people who are also grieving can be useful, as is working with a Bereavement Specialist to reduce feelings of isolation and confusion. Asking for help can be overwhelming, especially during the initial whirlwind of practical tasks and rituals, like funerals and memorials.
In addition to my personal experiences of multiple losses, I have 20 years of experience doing this work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, bereavement services, schools and family homes.
Recommended by:
Bingwan L, Social Worker:
Ms. Boyson is an empathetic, creative, and knowledgeable psychotherapist. She always presents herself with a warm and welcoming demeanor when she encounters clients. As a Play Therapist, Ms. Boyson is known for her solid knowledge of and extensive experience in working with children with special needs. I highly recommend her.
Kerry B., Social Worker:
Heidi was an asset to our programs and was skilled in many areas. She was especially gifted with children and families, utilizing her background in play therapy, counseling and early childhood. She worked diligently and was an independent, proactive professional.
Judith R, Writer and Children’s Literature Consultant:
Heidi Boyson is an excellent resource for helping adults to be more effective in helping children through the grieving process. She is knowledgeable, caring, and inspiring as she assists clients in becoming more confident and empowered.
Elizabeth L., Parent of child who experienced loss:
As a parent, I feel supported with good advice and strategies and know that my child is happy to go to her sessions with Ms. Boyson. She has said “I feel calm when I see Heidi”. As a professional in the education system, I am particularly impressed with the flexibility in approach and how strategies and activities have been adapted to suit the evolving needs of my child.
Michelle P., Bereavement Specialist/BoD member of National Alliance for Grieving Children:
I have consistently found Heidi to be a thoughtful and talented NAGC committee member. In meetings, she demonstrates good self-awareness and creative problem-solving skills. She was involved in research, event planning and organizing, community outreach and public relations.
Grief Work NYC 