What Is the Grief Recovery Method?
What actually happens in those seven weeks, and why a step-by-step process succeeds where "just give it time" never does.
Read more →Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist
Finding light in life's darkest valleys
Health, hope and healing for your heart.
Grief is not something you get over — it is something you move through. Using the evidence-based Grief Recovery Method, I walk beside you with the tools to finally set down what you have been carrying.
Welcome
I am honored to walk alongside you
My name is Iola Burnsed. As a faith-based Grief Recovery Specialist with over 20 years of experience, I provide compassionate support to those navigating life's most difficult challenges.
I have known the crushing weight of loss myself — parents, grandparents, a miscarriage, and the devastating death of my own son when he was only 18 years old. I have walked through divorce, abuse, broken relationships, a house fire that took everything, and the ongoing ache of unmet hopes.
Even with a strong faith, counseling and the support of loved ones, I searched for deeper healing. It was the Grief Recovery Method that finally gave me the tools to process that pain — and it is what I want for you.
Grief is bigger than you think
More than 40 kinds of loss
Grief is the normal and natural reaction to any change in a familiar pattern of behavior. If any of these sound like your life right now, you belong here.
- Death of a loved one
- Divorce or separation
- Loss of a child
- Miscarriage
- Loss of a pet
- Financial hardship
- Changes in health
- Loss of a career
- Emotional abuse
- Spiritual abuse
- Broken relationships
- Estrangement or a prodigal child
- Loss of trust
- Loss of security
- Loss of identity
- Moving or relocation
- Unmet hopes and dreams
- Loss of faith community
How it works
A clear path through seven weeks
The Grief Recovery Method is an evidence-based program that has been helping grievers for more than 45 years. It is not open-ended talk therapy — it is a step-by-step process with a beginning, a middle and an end.
1
We meet, with no pressure
A free 15-minute Discovery Call, or a longer meeting in my Palm Coast office or over Zoom. We talk about what you are carrying and whether this is the right fit. There is never any pressure to decide on the call.
2
We work the method together
Seven one-on-one sessions, one hour a week. Each week brings a shift in perspective, a new recovery tool, and short reading and writing assignments that do the real work between sessions.
3
You complete what was unfinished
You learn to remember your loved ones without being overwhelmed by pain, to release guilt and regret, and to carry your story with peace instead of dread.
In their words
Healing that lasts
I have just finished up my grief coaching with Iola. Being able to get everything out has had a profound effect upon my mental health. I would 100% recommend The Valley of Vision to anyone who is struggling with any type of loss or grief. The grief recovery method has done wonders for me. I wish I hadn’t waited for over 7 years to seek help. In just a few weeks I felt like I had the right tools to deal with every life struggle I have ever had.
— Debbie
By the end of the seven weeks, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted. This experience helped me realize that I hadn’t truly been processing my grief — I was pushing my feelings down and pretending to be okay.
Now that I’ve completed the program, I see things more clearly and have gained the tools I need to move forward in a healthy way. This was a powerful experience, and I’m excited to pass what I’ve learned on to my children.
— Tayra
Please read this
Do not let money keep you away
If finances are standing between you and healing, reach out anyway. I have options, and I would rather find a way than watch you keep carrying this alone.
First and last responders, military and veterans receive a discount as a thank you for their service. And through the generosity of past clients, donated sessions are available for those who need them.
From the blog
Notes for the journey
Honest, practical writing about grief, faith and the work of healing.
Grief Is Not Only About Death
Divorce, a diagnosis, a lost job, a prodigal child, a move. More than forty kinds of loss produce real grief — and deserve real care.
Read more →
Six Myths That Keep Us Stuck
"Don't feel bad." "Time heals." "Be strong for the children." The things we were taught about grief are the very things that trap us in it.
Read more →Take the first step
You don't have to walk this valley alone
Schedule a free, no-pressure 15-minute Discovery Call. We'll talk about what you're carrying and whether the Grief Recovery Method is the right next step for you.