Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about grief, life transitions, and working with me, Dr. Marlene Shiple.
Questions About Grief
How do I know if I could use grief support?
Many people reach out when grief or loss feels heavy in their body, when stress or anxiety is affecting sleep, focus, or health, when they feel stuck, numb, or disconnected, or when others expect them to "move on" before they are ready. If any of these feel familiar, you are in the right place.
Is there a timeline for grief? Can I get help if my loss happened years ago?
Yes, you can. Grief has no timeline, and all stages of grief are welcome. Support can also help with unresolved grief that you may not even be conscious of.
Do I have to "get over" my loss to heal?
No. Grief is not something to simply get over. It is an experience to be honored, integrated, and transformed. Rather than trying to "get over it," we work together, with me supporting you in learning to integrate loss into a life that can once again hold joy, purpose, and hope.
Is it wrong to feel moments of joy while I am grieving?
No. Many people feel guilty when they begin laughing again, dreaming again, or experiencing moments of peace. Embracing life does not leave your loved one behind. It carries their love forward in a new way.
Why does grief feel worse at night?
During the day, your mind is busy. It sorts, plans, and solves, and that busyness can protect you. Evening takes that protection away, and memories can arrive more vividly after dark. None of this means something is wrong with you. If the heaviness lingers for weeks, or begins to crowd out your daily life, please reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional. You can read more in Why Is Grief Worse at Night?
What should I do if I am having thoughts of self harm? Not that I want to do myself harm; but, sometimes, I feel so desperate, like I am all out of options, and I can't think of anything else to do. How can I get all this pain to stop?
If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, please reach out right now:
988: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text)
911: Life threatening emergency
Veterans Crisis Line: call 988 then press 1, or text 838255
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 (24/7)
You are not alone, and when you feel ready, I am here to help you through this.
Working With Me
Who is Dr. Marlene Shiple?
I am Dr. Marlene Shiple. I began providing psychotherapy in 1972, opened my first private practice in 1975, and have felt privileged to walk alongside people in their healing ever since. I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, am a licensed professional counselor, and am certified in hypnotherapy, grief therapy, trauma therapy, and sex therapy (AASECT certified). I am the Amazon best selling author of "Welcoming the Dawn: Reclaiming Joy and Purpose After Loss" and the creator of "The Grief Healing Pathway." I have served with the Disaster Mental Health section of the American Red Cross since 1992. My office is in Phoenix, Arizona.
What is grief coaching, and is it the same as therapy?
Grief coaching offers compassionate support and practical tools to help you navigate change, rebuild stability, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. It is not psychotherapy.
For clients who live in Arizona, if, during the course of treatment, it becomes clear that counseling is what would most benefit your progress and healing, I will address this directly with you. Together, we will discuss the possibility of changing our focus and implementing the counseling modality that best provides for your needs.
Since I am a licensed professional counselor and certified as a life, grief, and trauma coach, I have both the experience and training to make this assessment and provide these services. As a result, you don't have to go somewhere else, tell your complete story all over again, and consult another treatment specialist. We can effectively accomplish both functions in house.
How does hypnotherapy help with grief? Will I be in control?
Hypnotherapy helps you reach the deeper patterns held within the subconscious mind, where grief, guilt, fear, and old beliefs quietly influence how you experience life. Throughout the process, you remain aware and in control. The hypnotic state is simply a focused form of relaxed attention, similar to being absorbed in a good book or a peaceful meditation.
How many sessions will I need?
Sessions are personalized to your specific needs and goals. Most clients experience meaningful shifts within 3 to 5 sessions, though this varies based on your unique situation.
What can I expect my first 50 minute session to be like?
Your first coaching session is all about helping you feel safe, comfortable, and ready to talk. First, you and I will do a quick connection activity to help you relax more deeply and leave your busy day behind you. Next, we'll chat about what's really bothering you, not just on the surface, but the true reason(s) you feel stuck. After that, I will give you some practical tools to deal with your situation and help you experience an "aha!" moment, a mental breakthrough, that allows you to let go of those heavy feelings you brought into the appointment. Finally, we wrap up by talking about one simple, action oriented step to take to solidify what occurred in the present session.
Do you work with people outside Arizona?
Yes. I help people around the world heal from loss through online coaching, hypnotherapy, and The Grief Healing Pathway. I provide grief coaching in my Phoenix office, as well as by telephone and video conferencing to those outside the state boundaries of Arizona. In compliance with my professional licensure, I do not provide counseling services out of state. My physical office is located at 3030 N. 3rd St., Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85012.
Besides grief, what life transitions do you help with?
Retirement, divorce, becoming an empty nester, job loss, career changes, and other major shifts that leave you asking "Who am I now?" Together we explore what this change means for you and find a path forward that honors both your past and your emerging future.
What does it cost, and do you accept insurance?
The investment in coaching depends on the issues with which you are dealing. It is not a "one cost fits all" situation. Cost is something we discuss in detail prior to, or at the time of, the first session. You have full informed consent before committing to treatment.
In regard to accepting insurance as payment, I am what is termed "private pay." This means that my clients pay me directly at the time of their sessions.
How do I get started?
You can start with the free Healing Path Assessment. It is confidential and takes only a couple of minutes. Your answers are read personally by me or a member of my trusted team, and your customized reflection and "Personal Grief Signature Type" are emailed to you within 1 to 2 days. You can also call me at (602) 266-6662 or use the Contact page.
Free Support and Resources
What is the LIVE Grief Support Circle, and is it free?
Currently, the LIVE Grief Support Circle is offered free. It streams live on YouTube every other Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Arizona time. You can use the live chat to ask questions, and I answer them personally on the livestream. It is a supportive grief coaching circle and is not psychotherapy.
Do I need to talk or share during the circle?
No. You are welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
What free resources can I use on my own?
"The Healing Path: A Grief Reflection Guide" (a free download), a free guided meditation for grievers, and my Grief, Loss and Life Transition blog. If you would like more structure, "The Grief Healing Pathway" offers seven days of short practices, 5 to 15 minutes each, for $47.
What is "Welcoming the Dawn"?
"Welcoming the Dawn: Reclaiming Joy and Purpose After Loss" is my Amazon best selling book. I wrote it for high achieving professionals navigating the depths of intense grief. It offers a practical roadmap through grief, combining deep psychological insight with action oriented healing strategies, so you can move forward with clarity, purpose, and renewed energy. Inside, you will discover how to harness the power of your subconscious mind, tools and techniques to accelerate healing (from journaling prompts to mindfulness practices), a proven path out of feeling stuck, and empowering guidance to rebuild your life. Readers have shared that it helped them honor their grief while continuing with their professional work. It is available on Amazon.