About Me
I’m Nelson Pahl, a narrative psychologist that specializes in death-grief. In fact, I’m the world’s foremost expert on companion animal loss, as well as a leading authority on disenfranchised grief.
I counsel. I research. I educate.
And while my private practice is located in KCMO, USA, I help clients the world-over “complete” their grief via workshops and retreats.
I even host a burgeoning little podcast called The Pahl Paw Patch.
Counseling Approach
My approach to grief steps beyond the tired, and largely failing, traditional model of adjustment “stages.”
Instead, I help clients find prompt and efficient healing through narrative & expressive arts tactics, as well as memory reconsolidation techniques for traumatic grief triggers.
The methods I employ are gentle-yet-potent…
And oftentimes feel almost magical.
Counseling Background
Professionally, I’ve been heavily influenced by the work of Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer, Dr. Stephan Madigan, Dr. Kenneth Doka, and attachment theory expert Dr. Lisa Firestone.
To supplement my narrative & expressive arts approach, I’ve trained in memory reconsolidation (for traumatic grief) under acclaimed British psychotherapist and hypnotherapist Mark Tyrrell.
I’m also a member of the Narrative Therapy Initiative and the Association for Death Education and Counseling.
Miscellaneous
My life before narrative grief counseling includes a six-year stint in the United States Freestyle Team system, as well as an 18-year career as a respected writer and editor.
Academically, my undergraduate studies included concentrations in psychology and creative writing (UCSD). I earned my MBA Certificate from Tulane. And, I carried out my Ph.D. studies in narrative grief counseling at the University of Portsmouth.
Personal Tidbits
– I’m originally from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul.
– I’m a lifelong pet parent.
– I love the Minnesota Wild (NHL) & Minnesota Vikings (NFL).
– There’s no where I’d rather be than on a kayak in the mountains.
– I call KC’s yoga queen my beloved.
– I operate Nelson Pahl Healing, Wiley Rogue Audio, and City College Press with my oldest and dearest friend, Shellie Rae.
Finally
Needless to say, if you’re enduring intense pet loss, or suffering through disenfranchised grief of any sort…
And you’re looking to resolve that grief…
I probably have a solution for you.
Until next time…
