Grief is a natural reaction to a loss for both adults and children. During the grieving journey, it is “normal” to have difficulty concentrating, having conversations, sleeping, eating, doing everyday tasks, and it is usual to feel anxious, depressed, angry, obsessive about little and big things. Our culture doesn’t know how to deal with these scary, unwelcoming emotions and symptoms and often depend on platitudes and unhelpful messaging like “time will heal”, “the person has gone to a better place’, “the person has just gone to sleep” (often told to children), “you should be over this by now, it’s been a year”, etc.  No two losses are the same, even if the cause of death is the same (e.g. illness, car accident, suicide) and there is no expiration date on grief nor linear stages of grief, despite what the general public might think. Pioneers in the field like Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross contributed positively to our understanding of bereavement and healing, but the promotion of set stages adds to the client’s overall pain and feelings of shame and failure. Speaking with other people who are also grieving can be useful, as is working with a Bereavement Specialist to reduce feelings of isolation. Asking for help can be overwhelming, especially during the initial whirlwind of practical tasks and rituals like funerals and memorials.

I assist in your grieving process authentically and have worked in the field for 16 years in a variety of settings including Brent Bereavement Services, Zig-Zag Children’s Services, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, Community Counseling and Mediation, as well as in homes and schools in the US and UK.

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.