Grief & Loss Counseling
A Sacred Space to Honor, Feel, and Heal
I believe in wholeheartedly continuing the legacy of the ones who have passed. Their death is not a period, but a comma - A story that continues to unfold with an abundance of love.
Hi, I’m Nici, a specialized grief therapist and the owner of Crown of Hope Counseling.
Grief is not a problem to be solved—it is a sacred expression of love. At Crown of Hope Counseling, we believe that grieving is not about “getting over” a loss, but about learning to live with it, to carry it, and to make meaning from it. Grief is a language all its own, with dialects and customs we never expected to learn. It is disorienting, tender, and often isolating. But it is also deeply human. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.
My journey into grief work began with the passing of my own mother. She knew her time on earth would be brief, and she lived with intentionality, grace, and fierce love. She taught me that legacy is not measured in years, but in presence. Her death was not a period—it was a comma. Her story continues to unfold in me and through me, and it is this sacred unfolding that led me to chaplaincy in a trauma-level one hospital, and ultimately to create Crown of Hope.
In those hospital halls, I witnessed the rawness of loss—the moments when grief first arrives, uninvited and overwhelming. I saw how often people were left to carry it alone. And I knew then that grief needed more than a clinical response—it needed a companion.
Companioning Through Grief
Inspired by the work of Dr. Alan Wolfelt, our approach to grief counseling is rooted in the philosophy of companioning - not leading, not fixing, but walking alongside. We do not treat grief as a disorder. We honor it as a natural, necessary process of mourning. Our role is to create a space where you can feel, express, and explore your grief without judgment or pressure. We recognize that grief is not linear. It does not follow a timeline or a checklist. It ebbs and flows, and it often shows up in unexpected ways—through tears, silence, anger, fatigue, or even laughter. At Crown of Hope, we hold space for all of it.
We support the six essential needs of mourning, as outlined by Wolfelt:
Acknowledge the reality of the death
Embrace the pain of the loss
Remember the person who died
Develop a new self-identity
Search for meaning
Receive ongoing support from others
These needs are not tasks to complete - they are invitations to healing. We move through them gently, at your pace, honoring your unique relationship with the person you’ve lost.
A Holistic, Integrated Approach
Grief touches every part of us—body, mind, heart, and spirit. That’s why our therapeutic approach is holistic and integrative. We draw from a variety of modalities to support your healing:
Person-Centered Therapy: You are the expert on your grief. We follow your lead with empathy and unconditional positive regard.
Narrative Therapy: We explore the stories you carry—about your loved one, your loss, and your future - and help you reshape them with meaning.
Existential Therapy: We hold space for the big questions: Why now? Why them? What does life mean without them?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We address the thoughts and beliefs that may be complicating your grief, offering tools for emotional regulation and resilience.
Art Therapy & Creative Expression: Sometimes words aren’t enough. We offer creative pathways to express grief through art, journaling, poetry, and ritual.
For those who desire it, we also integrate spiritual practices—including prayer, Scripture reflection, and theological dialogue. Whether your faith is a source of comfort or a place of wrestling, we honor it as part of your healing journey.
What You Can Expect
Grief counseling at Crown of Hope is not about “moving on.” It’s about moving through—with support,
intention, and grace. Here’s what you can expect:
A compassionate witness to your story
A safe space to express emotions without judgment
Tools to navigate anniversaries, holidays, and milestones
Support in creating rituals and memorials
Exploration of legacy and continued bonds
Permission to grieve in your own way, at your own pace
We also offer guidance for anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and disenfranchised grief—the kinds of loss that are often misunderstood or minimized by others.
Who We Serve
Grief counseling is open to adults of all backgrounds and beliefs. We support those who are:
Mourning the death of a loved one—recent or long ago
Navigating ambiguous loss (e.g., dementia, estrangement)
Experiencing anticipatory grief due to terminal illness
Struggling with spiritual questions after loss
Feeling isolated or misunderstood in their grief
Seeking to honor a legacy and find meaning in the pain
Whether your grief is fresh or quietly lingering, you are welcome here.
Why Crown of Hope?
We are not just a counseling practice—we are a sanctuary for the grieving. Our therapists are trained, experienced, and deeply committed to walking with you through the terrain of loss. We believe that grief is sacred, and that healing is possible—not by forgetting, but by remembering well.
At Crown of Hope, you will find:
A team that honors your story and your loved one’s legacy
A rhythm of grace that meets you where you are
A culture of compassion, curiosity, and spiritual depth
A commitment to clinical excellence and heartfelt care
We believe that grief is not the end of love - it is its echo. And we are here to help you find where that love goes now.
Getting Started
Your journey begins with a simple step: reaching out. When you contact us, you’ll be invited to share a bit about your loss and your hopes for counseling. We’ll match you with a therapist who feels like the right fit, and together, you’ll begin the sacred work of mourning, remembering, and healing. You don’t have to grieve alone. We are here to walk with you through the tears, the silence, the memories, and the love that remains.
Education, Credentials, Experience, & Certifications
BA Psychology, Minor in Health Communications; University of Houston
MA Biblical Counseling; Dallas Theological Seminary
Doctoral in Advanced Studies of Human Behavior; Capella University (PhD)
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S)
Board Certified Chaplain (BCC)
Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH)
Certified Consulting Hypnotist (CCH)
Adjunct Instructor, Liberty University
Professional Affiliations
Cradled (Infant Loss Support)
Association of Professional Chaplains
Winnin’ the Fight (WTF)
Challenge of North Texas
A Memory Grows
The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation
Baylor Scott & White Health Pastoral Care
When I’m not seeing clients, you can find me…
…spending time with my family, probably laughing or delving into my art. I’m currently finding myself heavily drawn into the watercolor medium. I’ve also recently found myself fascinated by Pinterest recipes accompanied with a good Dr. Pepper.
I value community and connection, so I spend a lot of time being intentional with those I care about. I am a proud mom who loves a good Laffy Taffy joke and can never turn down a good snuggle from my corgis.