Grief is a universal experience, yet compassionate support for those who grieve is often lacking. Grief coaching offers something sacred. Presence, empathy, and a nonjudgmental space where individuals feel truly seen and heard. At its core, grief coaching is about showing up, holding space, and being fully present. And it’s in that quiet, caring presence that the journey toward healing begins.

International Grief Coaching Awareness Day, observed each year on July 1st is a day close to my heart and now, a day for the world to honor those who walk beside others through grief with empathy, courage, and care.

On this day, we come together across borders, backgrounds, and beliefs to honor the transformative role of grief coaching in our world. Far too often grief is met with silence, discomfort, or dismissal with many not even aware of or comfortable seeking support. Grief coaching offers a sacred, non-therapeutic alternative rooted in presence, compassion, and unwavering support.

International Grief Coaching Awareness Day celebrates the professionals who hold space for others in their most tender moments. It recognizes the courage of those navigating loss and the grief coaches who walk beside them.

This year’s theme, “Even the Quietest Grief Deserves a Voice.” reminds us that grief coaching isn’t about fixing or rescuing. It’s about showing up, holding space, and being present for someone navigating loss. Grief affects every corner of our world. And grief coaches quietly, powerfully make a difference every day.

This day is a call to:

• Raise awareness of grief coaching as a distinct and essential support modality.

• Educate the public on the importance of grief-informed conversations in every sphere of life, home, communities, educational institutions, religious organizations, workplaces, and beyond.

• Honor the dedication of grief coaches and those holding space who bring compassion to life through their presence.

• Encourage a culture of empathy where grief is acknowledged, respected, and supported.

Grief coaching is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up. It is the power of presence. It is the gift of compassion. As the founder of the Institute of Professional Grief Coaching (IOPGC) and this global observance movement, I believe that when we hold compassionate space for others, we don’t just support healing, we change the world. One heart, one story, one mile, one moment at a time.

Whether you're a grief coach, an aspiring grief coach, a professional supporting others through grief, or someone who has personally experienced the impact of grief coaching, this day is for you. Whether you host events, share posts, light a candle, share a message or video, or simply reach out and make space for someone who is hurting, join us on July 1st as we celebrate, educate, and elevate the power of grief coaching around the world. 

With hearts aligned, we can create a wave of compassionate presence that encircles the globe, shifting the grief narrative through every story shared, every conversation held, and every coach who shows up with love. No pressure. No perfection. Just presence.

"This day was created to remind us that grief is not something to fix. It is something to honor. My hope is that on this day, and beyond, we create space for one another, offer support, and allow every voice, especially the quiet ones, to be heard."

Dora Carpenter, CPC

Founder, Institute of Professional Grief Coaching (IOPGC)

• ICF-accredited From Grief to Gratitude Coach Certification Program

• ICF-accredited Workplace Grief Coach Certification Program

• GRIEF TV | IOPGC Streaming on The Roku Channel and online at grief.tv

• Grief and the Next Mile Framework