Overview

After years of clinical work with grieving adults navigating midlife loss, my work now focuses on grief education and guidance in the companion animal loss space. I provide meaning-centered solutions for veterinarian clinics and pet care teams, grounded in narrative psychology and meaning reconstruction approaches, including study with Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer at the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition.Along with this work, I collaborate with veterinarians and other thought leaders in the companion animal space as a ghostwriter, helping each bring clear, authoritative books to market through interview-based writing shaped by more than two decades of experience as a writer and editor.

PetBond Aftercare

PetBond Aftercare is my effort to close the gap between the exam room and the weeks that follow euthanasia. I partner with veterinary teams to offer gentle, structured support for grieving families—an approach that’s evidence-based and rooted firmly in Meaning Reconstruction Theory—without adding to staff workload. PetBond Aftercare offers a 6‑month pathway that helps grieving families make meaning, honor continuing bonds, and gradually rebuild life after a companion animal’s death.

• Explore the Program

Ghostwriting

Some work is best expressed in sustained form. Thus, I collaborate with veterinarians and other professionals in the companion animal space to develop clear, publish-ready manuscripts drawn from lived experience, practice, and thought leadership. Most projects are interview-based and designed to bring coherence to ideas that already exist.

• Discuss a Project

Grief Therapy in a Box

A Self-Guided Grief ProgramGrief Therapy in a Box is a self-guided education and meaning-reconstruction solution for people that want to engage grief work privately, at their own pace and in their own space.It’s designed for individuals who are living with loss — often long after the initial shock has passed — and who want depth, clarity, and structure without pressure to “move on,” follow stages, or reach a particular emotional endpoint.The program draws on contemporary grief research, meaning reconstruction approaches, and experiential reflection. Rather than offering techniques or timelines, it invites participants to explore how loss reshapes identity, relationships, and one’s sense of continuity over time.

Who This Program is For

This program may be a good fit if you:- Want to explore grief privately
- Are drawn to reflective, narrative, or experiential approaches
- Feel changed by loss and want language for that experience
- Prefer depth over quick fixesIt may be especially helpful for people navigating the loss of a parent, sibling, partner, or a significant relationship, as well as losses that have quietly reshaped identity over time.

Who It May Not Be For

It may not be a good fit if you are:- Looking for symptom management
- Seeking a step-by-step treatment plan
- In need of immediate crisis supportGrief Therapy in a Box is educational rather than clinical treatment, and is intended to complement — not replace — professional care when needed.

What the Program Emphasizes

The program focuses on:- Meaning reconstruction after loss
- Continuing bonds with the deceased
- Identity change following bereavement
- Narrative and experiential reflectionParticipants move through guided lessons, reflective prompts, and experiential exercises designed to help them make sense of grief in their own way and in their own time.

Important Note

Grief Therapy in a Box is a self-guided grief education and meaning-reconstruction program. It is not a substitute for psychotherapy or mental health treatment.

Assessing the Program

Grief Therapy in a Box is hosted on a private learning platform and accessed through enrollment.

• View Program Details

Contact Me

If you'd like to discuss a training, have questions about a workshop, or would like to inquire about a writing assignment, just use the form below.

Book Collaboration Inquiry

This inquiry is for leaders, professionals, clinicians, and other experts seeking a fast, high-integrity path to a finished nonfiction book manuscript.

Complete the form only when you’re ready to move forward.

Partner with Me

I help adults navigate the loss of a love one through a structured, evidence-based program. And I help professionals serve this population more effectively.If you're a grief coach, therapist, or bereavement professional, you understand that significant loss isn't just about sadness. It's about identity disruption, disorientation, and the quiet unraveling of one's place in the world.My work addresses what many traditional grief resources miss: the existential reshaping that follows loss.

Two Ways to Work Together

1. For Grief Coaches: White Label Partnership
Integrate Grief Therapy in a Box into your coaching practice as a branded offering.How it works:
- You sell your coaching package ($2,000-$5,000)
- You pay me $600 per enrolled client
- I provide the structured curriculum, live Office Hours, and program support
- You provide the coaching relationship, accountability, and personalized guidanceWhat your clients receive:
- 7 modules on identity reconstruction after parent loss
- 22 experiential exercises
- 2 weekly live Office Hours (lifetime access)
- Evidence-based framework (meaning reconstruction theory)What you receive:
- $1,400-$4,400 profit per client (vs. $400 affiliate commission)
- Proven curriculum you don't have to create
- Expert program support while you focus on coaching
- Strict non-compete protection (you can't steal my work; I won't steal your clients)Pricing:
- $600 per client (pay as you go)
- $5,000 for 10 clients (save $1,000)
- $10,000/year unlimited

• Learn More About White Label

2. For Therapists & Professionals: Affiliate PartnershipRefer clients to Grief Therapy in a Box and earn commission.How it works:
- Client enrolls in my program ($997)
- You earn $400 per referral
- Client continues counseling with you while doing the programWhy this complements your work:
- Clients receive "bridge" curriculum between sessions with you
- You remain primary therapeutic support
- I provide program-specific guidance (not therapy or coaching)
- No client poaching. I'm focused on education and writing

• Learn More About Affiliates

Why Losing a Parent in Midlife Can Challenge Your Self-Image

Feeling disoriented or confused by the death of a parent?There’s a reason.When we lose a parent, sure, sadness is expected. What’s not so expected, though, is an essence that’s a bit harder to name: the sense of being unmoored. Outwardly, life continues, unchanged. Internally, however, a quiet disorientation sets in.Decisions feel less anchored. Time feels oddly uneven. And beneath ordinary moments, an unfamiliar question surfaces:Who am I now?This reaction confuses us, especially in midlife and beyond.We tell ourselves we should be coping better. Our parent lived a long life. The relationship was sometimes complicated. We’ve endured other losses, so we “should know how to do this.”And yet, despite all our reasoning…Something remains unsettled.The loss doesn’t simply hurt; it reorganizes how we experience the world.Part of what makes the death of a parent so difficult is that this type of loss is rarely understood as an identity event.

Identity Reshaping

While we typically view identity as something shaped in early life, something we imagine complete by the time we reach adulthood, the truth is, parents serve as psychological anchors long after childhood ends—quiet reference points for who we’ve been across time.When that anchor disappears—especially when it’s the last living parent—the disruption can feel disproportionate to the circumstances of the death itself. What’s lost isn’t only a relationship but the means by which we locate ourselves.Our parents occupy a unique psychological position. Long after we’ve established our independence, they remain witnesses to our personal history. They remember earlier versions of us. They hold family narratives.And they serve as living links between who we once were and who we’ve become.Because of this, parental loss can quietly disrupt identity itself.It’s not just the loss of that parent we experience, but the death of certain roles—that of son or daughter, offspring, perhaps even pupil or protege; we mourn a former version of ourselves.
In essence, when a parent dies, a part of us dies.Again, the question surfaces:Who am I now?The truth is, in midlife, our loss experience can be intensified due to the accumulation of other changes. Midlife is already a threshold between stages, and parental loss can act as its unexpected catalyst. Careers plateau or end. Children grow up and move out. Our bodies have noticeably aged. The loss of a parent can converge with these transitions, amplifying the feeling that a familiar chapter of our life has closed without a clear map for what follows.When this disruption is mistaken for pathology, we turn our distress inward. We question our resilience. We compare ourselves to others. We feel embarrassed by how deeply the loss has affected us.Yet, what we’re experiencing isn’t an inability to cope. It’s the psychological work of integrating a changed identity—an identity that no longer includes a living parental anchor.

Anchoring in the Past

When the death of a parent leaves us feeling unmoored, the impulse is to search for a way back—to the person we were before the loss.Or, to a familiar stability that once felt automatic.But identity disruptions aren’t problems to be solved so much as transitions to be understood.For some of us, putting language to this experience provides relief; it can restore a grounding or orientation. Others, however, might feel drawn to reflect with a bit more depth: How has this loss reshaped my inner world? And what’s asked of me now?There’s no timetable for this kind of adjustment.And no single right way through it.
What matters most is not reclaiming a former self but allowing for a new continuity to emerge, one that carries both what has been lost and what remains.Perhaps the work of midlife grief is less about moving on, and more about moving forward.Carrying what endures inside us.

About the Author

Nelson Pahl, Ph.D., is an experiential psychologist who specializes in helping midlife adults navigate grief and identity change after the death of a parent. His work focuses on meaning-making, unfinished relationships, and how people carry their loved ones forward in a healthy way.

Grief Therapy in a Box

Affiliate Program for Therapists & Grief Counselors
Help your clients navigate loss—earn commission for referrals

What is This?

Grief Therapy in a Box is a seven-module, 22-exercise experiential program for any adult navigating identity crisis after the loss of a loved one.It's designed to complement therapy, not replace it.Many clients do both: weekly therapy with you + structured grief work through this program between sessions.

Affiliate Benefits

Why Partner With Us?✅ $400 commission per referral (40% of $997 program cost)✅ Your clients stay YOUR clients
- This is a psychoeducational program
- It's not therapy
- Clients continue your weekly sessions
- I'm not in private practice (see below)✅ Makes your job easier
- Clients do structured grief work between therapy sessions
- They come to you having actively processed identity questions
- Your therapy time with the client becomes more productive✅ Weekly live support (for clients, not competition for you)
- Clients get 1-hour group Office Hours X 2 (drop-in style)
- I provide exercise guidance, not therapy
- This is GROUP support, not 1:1 sessions✅ Preview before committing
- Free access to first 2 modules
- Plus access to full syllabus
- See the quality then refer✅ Monthly commission payments
- Track referrals in real-time
- Paid monthly via PayPal/Venmo

I'm Not Competing with You

Note: I'm not a therapist...and I don't wish to be a therapist.My passion is research, education, and experiential group work. It's not 1:1 clinical practice.I built Grief Therapy in a Box specifically so I could focus on what I love (writing, teaching, creating curricula) and NOT do ongoing therapy.Here's what that means for you:🔒 Your clients remain YOURS
- They continue therapy with you while doing the program
- I'm not offering ongoing 1:1 therapy beyond the 90-day program window🔒 Different roles, same team
- YOU provide: therapeutic relationship, emotional processing, clinical expertise
- I provide: structured curriculum, experiential exercises, psychoeducation🔒 I refer back to YOU
- If a client finishes the program and needs more support, I send them back to you for that support
- I don't build long-term client/therapeutic relationships🔒 Legally binding agreement
- Our affiliate contract states I will not provide ongoing therapy to referred clients beyond the program scopeThink of me like a specialist: You refer clients to psychiatrists for meds, dietitians for eating issues, or physical therapists for chronic pain. I'm the specialist for structured grief work on identity reconstruction.You're still primary therapeutic support.

What's in the Program

What Your Clients Get:📊 7 modules, 22 exercises:- Identity Reformation
- Loss Characterization
- Meaning Reconstruction
- Relational Renegotiation
- Values Clarification
- Legacy Integration
- The Emergent Self🎥 22 Video Lessons (5-15 min each)📝 Interactive Workbooks with deep experiential exercises💬 Weekly Group Office Hours (1 hour, drop-in style, lifetime access, twice per week, all carried out via Telegram)📚 Evidence-Based: Grounded in meaning reconstruction theory (authored by Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer, it's leading framework in modern grief research)⏱️ Self-Paced: Complete in 4-8 weeks

Who This is For

Your Ideal Referrals:✅ Adult who lost a loved one 6 months to 5 years ago✅ Clients who say things like:
- "I don't know who I am anymore"
- "Everything feels meaningless now"
- "I feel lost without them"
- "I'm questioning my whole life"✅ Clients struggling with identity crisis, not just sadness❌ Who It's NOT for:- Acute crisis/suicidality
- People not ready for experiential work

How It Works

Simple 3-Step Process:1. You refer a client
- Share your affiliate link with them
- Or mention the program in session: "There's a structured program that might help with the identity questions you're raising. Here's the info."2. Client enrolls
- They purchase through your link ($997)
- You earn $400 commission3. We coordinate care (optional)
- Client continues therapy with you
- They work through the program between sessions
- If they need support within the GTIB program, they come to weekly Office Hours (Telegram group setting)
- You can email me anytime with questions about their progress

About Me

Nelson Pahl, Ph.D.
Experiential PsychologistTraining:
- Ph.D. in Experiential Psychology, Coventry University
- Trained under Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer at Portland Institute of Loss & Transition (founder of meaning reconstruction theory, editor of Death Studies)Experience:
- 7 years helping midlife adults navigate profound life transitions
- Creator of Grief Therapy in a Box
- Author of the forthcoming book, The Death of Former Mes: Navigating Midlife Parental LossWhy I Built This:
Both my significant other and I lost my moms less than a year apart, and we couldn't find adequate resources addressing the identity crisis we were experiencing. Everything focused on emotions or "stages," but nothing helped with the deeper question: Who am I now?I created this program to fill that gap. And to allow me to focus on what I love (education, research, writing) rather than building a 1:1 therapy practice.

What They Say

What Clients Say:"I thought I was going crazy. This program helped me understand I wasn't broken. I was transforming. Beautiful, beautiful experience."
— Lydia Garcia, Kansas City, MO, lost her mother 13 months ago"Finally, something that goes deeper than 'stages of grief.' This addressed the real issue: I didn't know who I was anymore. I'm so grateful this exists."
— Shellie Rae, Westwood, KS, lost her father 3 years ago

FAQ for Therapists

Q: What if my client wants to stop seeing me and just do the Grief Therapy in a Box program?A: The program explicitly encourages clients to continue therapy. In Module 1, I tell clients: "This program works best alongside therapy. Your therapist provides relational support; this program provides structured exercises. They complement each other."Q: How do I know you won't "steal" my client for your own ongoing work?A: It's in our affiliate agreement: I will not offer 1:1 therapy. I offer Open Office Hours and the 90-day Async Messaging. If a client wants any type of 1:1 "therapy" after finishing, I refer them back to you.Q: What if my client has questions during the program?A: They bring questions to weekly Office Hours (group setting, not 1:1 therapy). They can also message me async. However, I'm merely providing guidance on exercises, not therapy.Q: Do I need to understand meaning reconstruction theory to refer clients?A: Nope. You just need to recognize when a client is struggling with identity after loss. I handle the theoretical framework.Q: How do I get paid?A: Monthly via PayPal or Venmo. You'll get a tracking dashboard to see your referrals in real-time.Q: Can I preview the program first?A: Yes! Contact me and I'll give you free access to the first 2 modules, as well as the full syllabus.

Ready to Join?

Become an Affiliate:Option 1: Preview First
Need to see the program first?Just click below to send a message with the word "Request."

• Request Preview Access

Option 2: Join Now
Ready to start referring?Just click below to send a message with the word "Ready."

• Affiliate Sign-Up

Questions?

• Email Me

Or call/text:
913.297.2311

Copyright © 2026 Nelson Pahl.

Grief Therapy in a Box

White Label Program for Grief Coaches
Integrate a proven 22-exercise grief program into your coaching practice—earn $1,400-$4,400 per client

What is This?

Grief Therapy in a Box is a seven-module, 22-exercise experiential program for any adult navigating identity crisis after the loss of a loved one.It's designed to complement coaching, not replace it.And instead of referring clients OUT to this program with my affiliate option (and losing them), you can integrate it INTO your coaching practice as part of your service offering.How it works:- You sell YOUR coaching package to clients (your pricing)
- You pay me $600 per client enrolled
- I provide: Full program access + 2 weekly Office Hours sessions + lifetime access for your client
- You provide: Your coaching sessions (1:1 or group) alongside the GTIB programResult: Your clients get structured curriculum + expert support, you earn $1,400-$4,400 per client (vs. $400 affiliate commission).

What You Get

For $600 Per Client, You Receive:✅ Full access to Grief Therapy in a Box for your client
- 7 core modules
- 22 video lessons (5-15 min each)
- 11 Interactive workbooks with experiential exercises
- Lifetime access to all materials✅ 2 x Weekly Group Office Hours (lifetime access for client)
- 1-hour drop-in sessions every Monday and Wednesday✅ Non-exclusive license
- Use with unlimited clients (pay $600 each time)
- No annual fees, no minimums✅ Marketing support
- Sample language for YOUR sales page
- Email templates to promote to your list
- Social media copy

How This Helps Your Coaching

Without This Program:❌ You're creating curriculum from scratch (hours of work)
❌ Clients ask questions you're not trained to answer (meaning reconstruction, loss characterization, identity psychology)
❌ You're doing ALL the heavy lifting (content delivery + coaching + support)
❌ You much charge far less because of no structured curriculum to justify premium pricingWith This Program:✅ Structured curriculum (no more reinventing the wheel)
✅ Expert backup (I handle program-specific questions via Office Hours)
✅ Premium positioning ("My coaching includes a Ph.D.-developed program based on meaning reconstruction")
✅ Charge $2,000-$5,000 (structured justifies premium pricing)
✅ Focus on YOUR genius (coaching, not content delivery)

I'm Not Competing with You

I'm a researcher & educator, not a coach.I built Grief Therapy in a Box to focus on what I love (creating curriculum, research, writing).Here's what that means for you:🔒 I'm not building a coaching practice
- I don't offer 1:1 coaching in any way
- I refer people who want long-term support to coaches like YOU🔒 Your clients stay YOUR clients
- I provide content + technical support
- YOU provide the coaching relationship (where the real transformation happens)🔒 Different roles, same team
- I'm the curriculum expert (content, frameworks, exercises)
- You're the transformation expert (coaching, accountability, insight, personalized guidance)🔒 Non-compete agreement
- It protects both of us
- You can't steal my program or rebrand it
- I won't steal your clients and offer competing coachingThink of me as your curriculum partner: You bring the coaching genius; I bring the structured program. Together, your clients get the best of both worlds.

Pricing Options

Option 1: Per-Client License
$600 per client
- Pay as you go
- No minimums, no annual commitment
- Perfect if you're testing this with your first few clientsHow it works:
1. Client enrolls in YOUR coaching package ($2k-5k)
2. You notify me: "New client: [Name]"
3. You pay $600 (Stripe, PayPal, or Venmo)
4. I provide client access within 24 hours

Option 2: Bulk License (10 Clients)
$5,000 upfront (saves you $1,000)
- Pre-pay for 10 client enrollments
- Use anytime within 12 months
- Perfect if you enroll 8-10+ clients/yearExample:
- You enroll 10 clients at $3,000 each = $30,000 revenue
- You pay me $5,000 (10 licenses)
- Your profit: $25,000 (vs. $21,000 with per-client pricing)

Option 3: Unlimited Annual License
$10,000/year
- Unlimited client enrollments
- Perfect for high-volume coaches (20+ clients/year)Example:
- You enroll 25 clients at $2,500 each = $62,500 revenue
- You pay me $10,000 (unlimited license)
- Your profit: $52,500 (vs. $47,500 with per-client pricing)

What's in the Program

What Your Clients Get:📊 7 modules, 22 exercises:- Identity Reformation
- Loss Characterization
- Meaning Reconstruction
- Relational Renegotiation
- Values Clarification
- Legacy Integration
- The Emergent Self🎥 22 Video Lessons (5-15 min each)📝 Interactive Workbooks with deep experiential exercises💬 Weekly Group Office Hours (1 hour, drop-in style, lifetime access, twice per week, all carried out via Telegram)📚 Evidence-Based: Grounded in meaning reconstruction theory (authored by Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer, it's leading framework in modern grief research)⏱️ Self-Paced: Complete in 4-8 weeks

Who This is For

Your Ideal Referrals:✅ Adult who lost a loved one 6 months to 5 years ago✅ Clients who say things like:
- "I don't know who I am anymore"
- "Everything feels meaningless now"
- "I feel lost without them"
- "I'm questioning my whole life"✅ Clients struggling with identity crisis, not just sadness❌ Who It's NOT for:- Acute crisis/suicidality
- People not ready for experiential work

How to Position This With Clients

Sample Language for YOUR Sales Page:"My 12-week grief coaching program includes access to Grief Therapy in a Box, a 7-module experiential curriculum developed by Nelson Pahl, Ph.D., based on meaning reconstruction theory (the leading contemporary grief framework).This structured program provides the 'what to do' (exercises, frameworks, practices), while our coaching sessions provide the 'how to apply it' to your unique situation.You'll receive:✅ 12 weeks of 1:1 coaching with me
✅ Full access to Grief Therapy in a Box (22 video exercises)
✅ Weekly Office Hours (live, Telegram) with Nelson Pahl, Ph.D.
✅ Unlimited email support with me between weekly sessionsInvestment: $3,500"

Sample Email to YOUR List:Subject: New program for parent lossHi, [Name]I'm excited to share that I've partnered with Nelson Pahl, Ph.D. (grief psychologist who trained under Dr. Robert Neimeyer) to offer a new program for adults navigating significant loss.If you've lost a love one and feel like you don't know who you are anymore, this 12-week coaching program is for you.It combines:✅ Weekly 1:1 coaching with me
✅ A structured 22 -exercise curriculum
✅ Expert support, Nelson Pahl, Ph.D.Learn more: [Your sales page link][Your Name]

About Me

Nelson Pahl, Ph.D.
Experiential PsychologistTraining:
- Ph.D. in Experiential Psychology, Coventry University
- Trained under Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer at Portland Institute of Loss & Transition (founder of meaning reconstruction theory, editor of Death Studies)Experience:
- 7 years helping midlife adults navigate profound life transitions
- Creator of Grief Therapy in a Box
- Author of the forthcoming book, The Death of Former Mes: Navigating Midlife Parental LossWhy I Built This:
Both my significant other and I lost our moms less than a year apart, and we couldn't find adequate resources addressing the identity crisis we were experiencing. Everything focused on emotions or "stages," but nothing helped with the deeper question: Who am I now?I created this program to fill that gap. And to allow me to focus on what I love (education, research, writing) rather than building a 1:1 therapy practice.

What They Say

What Clients Say:"I thought I was going crazy. This program helped me understand I wasn't broken. I was transforming. Beautiful, beautiful experience."
— Lydia Garcia, Kansas City, MO, lost her mother 13 months ago"Finally, something that goes deeper than 'stages of grief.' This addressed the real issue: I didn't know who I was anymore. I'm so grateful this exists."
— Shellie Rae, Westwood, KS, lost her father 3 years ago

FAQ for Grief Coaches

Q: Can I rebrand this as my own program?A: You can present it as a core module in your coaching program (powered by Nelson Pahl, Ph.D.)" or integrate it under your brand, but you cannot remove my name or claim you created the content. The non-compete agreement protects both of us.Q: What if my client has questions about the program?A: They can message me directly. I handle program-specific questions (exercises, meaning reconstruction concepts). You handle coaching questions (applying it to their life, accountability, emotional support).Q: Do I need to understand meaning reconstruction theory?A: Nope. The program teaches it. You just need to coach them through applying the concepts to their unique situation. I can provide a guide that explains the framework in simple terms.Q: What if I already have my own grief curriculum?A: You can use this alongside your curriculum, or replace parts of yours with this. Many coaches use this as the "structured content" piece and focus their coaching on personalization/accountability.Q: How do I get paid by my clients?A: However you normally collect payment (Stripe, PayPal, check, etc.). You pay me the $600 licensing fee once your client enrolls.Q: Can I offer client payment plans?A: Yes. You charge whatever you want ($2k-5k), offer whatever payment plan you want. You just pay me $600 upfront when the client enrolls.Q: What's the non-compete clause?A: You can't steal my program and rebrand it as your own. I can't steal your clients and offer competing coaching. Simple as that. Full agreement provided upon enrollment.Q: Can I see before committing?A: Yes! Email me and I'll give you free access to the first 2 exercises + full syllabus so you can evaluate quality.

Ready to Join Forces?

Become a Partner:Option 1: Preview First
Need to see the program first?Just click below to send a message with the word "Request."

• Request Preview Access

Option 2: Enroll NowReady to integrate Grief Therapy in a Box into your program?- Per-Client License ($600):
- Bulk License ($5,000 for 10 clients):
- Unlimited Annual ($10,000/year):Email me and tell me which option you're interested in. We can then arrange an invoice, or a chat if need be.

• Partner Sign-Up

Questions?

• Email Me

Or call/text:
913.297.2311

Copyright © 2026 Nelson Pahl.

1:1 Program

A 4-Week Program for Midlife Adults Navigating Parental LossWhen a parent dies, the question for many midlife adults isn't just "How do I grieve?" but ""Who am I now?"The roles you held, the version of yourself you understood, the future you imagined, all of it shifts. And while others may expect you to "be okay," you might feel quietly unmoored.This program is for people navigating that disorientation—not because they're broken, but because something fundamental has changed.

What This Program Offers

This is a 4-week intensive designed for adults who want focused, personalized support as they work through the identity shifts that follow parent loss.The structure:Weekly 60-minute video sessions
A secure, private space to reflect, process, and make meaning of what's shifting.Two experiential practices each week
Reflective video + workbook exercises drawn from meaning reconstruction—simple practices designed to help you understand what's changed and what you're carrying forward.Unlimited asynchronous messaging
Support (text, Telegram, WhatsApp) between sessions when questions arise or clarity emerges.Lifetime access to practices
You can return to the exercises anytime you wish, not just during the four weeks.

How This Work Proceeds

Week 1: Understanding What's Shifted
We name what feels different—identity, roles, routines, sense of continuity. Grief isn't always emotional overwhelm. Sometimes it's disorientation.Week 2: Remembering & Honoring
Reflective practices help you hold the reality of who your parent was—not idealized, not diminished—and what their presence meant in your life.Week 3: Carrying Forward
We identity key values & qualities of your parent and explore how those might best live on in you.Week 4: Integration & Moving Forward
We rebuild a sense of self that incorporates loss without being defined by it. Not "moving on," but instead moving forward.

Who is This For?

This program is often a good fit if you:- Function well on the surface but feel disoriented beneath it
- Notice that your sense of identity, purpose, or place in the world has shifted
- Are navigating midlife (40–65)
- Lost a parent within the past 5 years
- Are not looking to be fixed, diagnosed, or managed—but want space to reflect and make sense of what's changed
- Prefer depth and clarity over quick fixes

Who This Isn't For

This program is not designed for:- Acute crisis or suicidal ideation (requires a higher level of care)
- People not ready to engage in reflective, experiential work

About This Work

I don't call this therapy. Or counseling.And it's certainly not "coaching."It's none of those things.Instead, I think of it as humanistic guidance—a collaborative process grounded in meaning reconstruction, the leading contemporary framework for understanding grief and identity.I trained under Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer at the Portland Institute of Grief & Loss. My work is informed by experiential psychology, narrative approaches, and a deep respect for the intelligence of the people I work with.This isn't about pathologizing grief. It's about honoring the complexity of what it means to lose a parent in midlife—and creating space for what emerges next.

Practice Details

Duration: 4 weeks
Format: Weekly 60-minute video sessions + practices + messaging support
Platform: Secure video (Doxy.me)
Investment: $2,850
Availability: I work with a limited number of clients each month to ensure quality of presence and support.

Next Steps

If this resonates with you...And you'd like to explore whether this program is right for you...Just reach out.We'll schedule a brief conversation (no cost, no obligation) to discuss what you're navigating and whether this structure feels like a fit.

• Email Me

Or call/text:
913.297.2311

About Me

Nelson Pahl, Ph.D.
Experiential PsychologistTraining:
- Ph.D. in Experiential Psychology, Coventry University
- Trained under Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer at Portland Institute of Loss & Transition (founder of meaning reconstruction theory, editor of Death Studies)Experience:
- 7 years helping midlife adults navigate profound life transitions
- Creator of Grief Therapy in a Box
- Author of the forthcoming book, The Death of Former Mes: Navigating Midlife Parental LossWhy I Built This:
Both my significant other and I lost our moms less than a year apart, and we couldn't find adequate resources addressing the identity crisis we were experiencing. Everything focused on emotions or "stages," but nothing helped with the deeper question: Who am I now?I created this program to fill that gap. And to allow me to focus on what I love (education, research, writing) rather than building a 1:1 therapy practice.

What They Say

What Clients Say:"I thought I was going crazy. This program helped me understand I wasn't broken. I was transforming. Beautiful, beautiful experience."— Lydia Garcia, Kansas City, MO, lost her mother 13 months ago"Finally, something that goes deeper than 'stages of grief.' This helped me find real meaning, real clarity. So grateful."— Shellie Rae, Westwood, KS, lost her father 3 years ago

• Email Me

Or call/text:
913.297.2311

Copyright © 2026 Nelson Pahl.

Resource Page

When a Parent Dies in Midlife...
Grief Often Changes Who We Are

Many adults are surprised by how disorienting midlife parental loss can be.You may still be working. Parenting. Functioning.And yet something essential feels unsettled — your sense of self, your direction, your inner footing.I created these recourses to support you through that in-between space: after hospice care has ended, and before life feels fully reassembled again.

The Resources

There is no right way to use them.You don’t need to complete everything.- Move slowly if you wish
- Pause if you need to.
- Return later if you desire.These resources are educational and reflective in nature; they're meant to be engaged with privately, at your own pace.

1. Understanding the ShiftWhy Losing a Parent in Midlife Can Challenge Your Self-ImageA brief, evidence-based article exploring why parental loss during midlife often affects identity, roles, and one’s internal sense of stability — even when others expect you "to be okay.”

• Read the Article

2. Remembering the PersonPersonal PilgrimageA 12-minute guided audio reflection, based on work by Dr. Robert A. NeimeyerThis experiential exercise invites you to reconnect with the everyday rhythms, values, and presence of your lost loved one, particularly during a time when they were their most vibrant self.Many people find this helps restore a felt sense of connection.

3. Carrying Their Influence ForwardThe Legacy CharacterA guided video practice with an interactive PDF workbookThis reflection focuses on identifying qualities you admired in your parent — ways of being, values, or strengths — and exploring how those qualities might live on through you.Rather than “letting go,” this practice allows us to "say hello again," as we purposely integrate a continuing bond.

• Access the Workbook

A Note

If strong emotions arise, just pause. You can simply ground yourself, step away, or reach out to someone you trust.These resources are not meant to replace professional care; they offer structured reflection during a tender season.

Need More Support?

Many people find these resources helpful as a starting point...Then realize there's more to work through than they expected.If you'd prefer not to navigate this alone, I offer two options for midlife adults working through parent loss:→ 1:1 Guided Program – Four weeks of personalized support, including weekly video sessions, experiential practices, and unlimited messaging.→ Self-Paced Program – A 60-minute session to explore what you're navigating and what might be most helpful.→ Single Exploratory Session – A structured curriculum you work through privately, with access to live weekly Office Hours and lifetime support.Learn more about these options →

• Work with Me

About Nelson Pahl, Ph.D.

Nelson Pahl is a grief psychologist specializing in the identity shifts that follow midlife parental loss. His work focuses on meaning reconstruction and helps adults "reorient" after a foundational relationship ends.He trained under Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer at the Portland Institute of Loss and Transition, studying contemporary approaches to grief that move beyond traditional stage models. His approach is experiential, reflective, and grounded in the belief that grief is not a problem to solve but a process to navigate with intelligence and care.These resources support those working through loss.

Questions?

• Email Me

Or call/text:
913.297.2311

Copyright © 2026 Nelson Pahl.

Work with Me

I support midlife adults navigating the loss of a parent in two ways: personalized 1:1 guidance; or a self-paced program.

1:1 Program

Four-Week Intensive ProgramA personalized program for adults who want focused, 1:1 support navigating the identity shift after parent loss.What's included:- Weekly 60-min video sessions
- Two experiential practices per week
- Unlimited messaging support
- Lifetime access to practicesInvestment: $2,850

• Learn More

Self-Paced Program

Grief Therapy in a BoxA structured, 7-module program you work through at your own pace, with live weekly support.What's included:- 7 modules, 22 experiential exercises
- 2 weekly live "Office Hours"
- Self-paced curriculum
- Lifetime access to all materialsInvestment: $997

• Learn More

Not Yet Sure?

Single Exploratory SessionIf you're not sure which option is right for you, we can start with a single 60-minute session to explore what you're navigating and what might be most helpful.Investment: $350

• Schedule a Session

About Nelson Pahl, Ph.D.

Nelson Pahl is a grief psychologist specializing in the identity shifts that follow midlife parental loss. His work focuses on meaning reconstruction and helps adults "reorient" after a foundational relationship ends.He trained under Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer at the Portland Institute of Loss and Transition, studying contemporary approaches to grief that move beyond traditional stage models. His approach is experiential, reflective, and grounded in the belief that grief is not a problem to solve but a process to navigate with intelligence and care.These solutions support those working through loss.

Questions?

• Email Me

Or call/text:
913.297.2311

Copyright © 2026 Nelson Pahl.

Who Am I Now?

A Guided Identity Workshop After Loss

Grief Therapy in a Box: Who Am I Now? is for adults navigating the quiet identity shift that follows parental or loved one loss.

What's Actually Happening

Some losses don’t just break our heart.They quietly dismantle who and what we thought we were.After a parent dies, many of us expect grief to look like sadness.We don’t expect the disorientation:🔹 Feeling less certain in our decisions
🔹 Questioning roles we once inhabited
🔹 A subtle sense of being unmoored
🔹 The thought: “I don’t quite recognize myself anymore.”This workshop is for that experience.

What This Workshop Is

This is a 75–90 minute guided workshop for identity reformation after loss.It is:→ experiential
→ reflective
→ meaning-centered
→ grounded in evidence-based theoryIt is not therapy. It’s not motivational fluff.You won’t be asked to share your story.You’re guided through structured practices that help you orient to who you are becoming now.

What We'll Worth With

In this workshop, you’ll:▪️Understand how loss reshapes identity...without awareness
▪️ Identify the parts of you anchored to the person you lost
▪️ Clarify what has collapsed—and what is quietly emerging
▪️ Craft a Legacy Character map that helps you distill admirable traits of the deceased and consciously integrate them into your own life moving forwardReceive a downloadable workbook to support the exercises.

Who This Is For

This workshop may be a fit if:♦️ You’ve lost a parent and feel “different” but not sure why
♦️ You’re in midlife and notice a deep identity shift after loss
♦️ Outwardly, you’re functioning; inwardly, you feel less steady
♦️ You want thoughtful guidance without being pathologizedYou do not need to be in acute grief for this to be meaningful.These solutions support those working through loss.

Who This Is Not For

It's not a fit if you’re looking for:→ crisis support
→ clinical treatment
→ quick fixes
→ surface-level inspiration

Format

🔸 Pre-recorded guided content (for clarity and depth)
🔸 Accompanied by live text-based chat
🔸 Faceless, reflective, and private
🔸 Replay access provided

About the Guide

My name's Nelson Pahl, Ph.D. I’m a grief guide specializing in parental loss and identity reformation in midlife.My work is grounded in meaning reconstruction theory (Robert Neimeyer) and narrative approaches to grief, with a strong emphasis on experiential practice.I work with people who want depth, clarity, and steadiness—without therapy jargon or performative healing.

About the Guide

Length: 90 minutes
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM Central Time
Price: $97
Access: eWebinar (simple email link sent after registration)

Reserve Your Spot

Important Note: Space is intentionally limited to preserve experience quality.

Questions?

• Email Me

Or call/text:
913.297.2311

Copyright © 2026 Nelson Pahl.

The Narrative Exit: Visibility

A Workshop that Resolves the Fear of Being Seen

The Narrative Exit: Visibility is for professionals, creatives, and healers who feel capable and thoughtful, yet find themselves holding back when it matters.This is not a confidence workshop.It’s a remedy to a specific, quiet fear state.

What's Actually Happening

For many people, the problem is not skill, readiness, or insight.It’s visibility.Not stage fright.
Not imposter syndrome.
Not a lack of confidence.But a felt sense of threat that activates when you are seen, named, evaluated, or exposed.It can show up as:🔹 Hesitating to publish or speak
🔹 Avoiding opportunities you are qualified for
🔹 Over-preparing...then withdrawing
🔹 Staying “almost visible,” but never fully present
🔹 The thought: “Something bad will happen if I step forward.”This workshop is for that experience.

What This Workshop Is

This is a 90-minute guided workshop designed to resolve fear of visibility using narrative and experiential techniques.It is:→ experiential
→ structured
→ meaning-centered
→ grounded in narrative psychologyIt is not therapy.
It is not exposure training.
It is not motivational coaching.You won’t be asked to share your story.You'll be guided through private, contained practices that help separate you from the fear itself, restoring choice.

What We'll Accomplish

In this workshop, by way of nothing more than writing and imagination, you’ll:▪️ Externalize the fear so it is no longer fused with your identity
▪️ Interrupt the fear loop...for good
▪️ Reposition yourself in relation to being seen
▪️ Resolve the fear, not manage it

Who This Is For

This workshop may be a fit if you:♦️ Avoid visibility despite wanting meaningful work to be seen
♦️ Are a professional, creative, or healer holding back publicly
♦️ Feel capable in private, but constrained when visible
♦️ Want depth and resolution without hype or forced exposureYou do not need to be actively anxious for this to be helpful.This work is for people who function well but feel quietly limited.

Who This Is Not For

It's not a fit if you’re looking for:→ crisis support
→ clinical treatment
→ confidence hacks
→ performance coaching
→ surface-level encouragement

Format

🔸 Pre-recorded guided content (for clarity and depth)
🔸 Accompanied by live text-based chat
🔸 Faceless, reflective, and private
🔸 Replay access provided

About the Guide

My name is Nelson Pahl, Ph.D. I employ narrative and experiential methods to help people resolve fear states that limit expression, visibility, and agency.My approach is grounded in narrative therapy traditions, externalization practices, and meaning-based reorientation.I work with people who want precision, gentleness, and real movement without being pathologized or pushed.

Workshop Details

Length: 90 minutes
Date: Thursday, February 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM Central Time
Price: $97
Access: eWebinar (simple email link sent after registration)

Reserve Your Spot

Important Note: Space is intentionally limited to preserve experience quality.

Prefer Private Work?

If a group setting doesn't feel right, you can choose a private Narrative Exit intensive instead.This is a 2 to 2.5 hour 1:1 session where we move through the same process at a deeper, individualized pace.Investment: $700Contact me to schedule.

• Email Me

Or call/text:
913.297.2311

Keep in Mind...

You do not need to become louder, bolder, or more confident.You only need to exit a story that no longer belongs to you.

Copyright © 2026 Nelson Pahl.

Meaning Reconstruction for Grief Care

A Training for Pastoral Staff & Care Teams

Grief is not only emotional.It often disrupts meaning, identity, and the story one uses to make sense of his or her life.Many grieving congregants are not seeking comfort as much as orientation. When helpers lack a framework for this kind of grief, care can unintentionally rush, soften, or explain pain away.This training introduces pastoral staff and care teams to Meaning Reconstruction, a narrative-based model of grief developed by Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer. The focus is not therapy, but learning how to listen, respond, and accompany grief with greater clarity and steadiness.

What Participants Will Learn

Participants will gain a clear, usable understanding of:🔹 How grief disrupts meaning, identity, and personal narrative
🔹 Why many people feel “stuck” even after time has passed
🔹 The four core processes of meaning reconstruction theory:→ End-story
→ Backstory
→ Identity Transformation
→ Continuing Bonds🔹 How to recognize identity rupture and narrative collapse in grief conversations
🔹 How to support the grieving without trying to fix, rush, or resolve their pain
🔹 What language helps, what harms, and when to refer outThe training emphasizes attunement, containment, and ethical boundaries, not clinical intervention.

What This Training Is

This training is:♦️ Educational and formation-oriented
♦️ Narrative and meaning-centered
♦️ Practical and immediately applicable
♦️ Suitable for clergy and lay care teams

What It's Not

This training is not:▪️Group therapy
▪️Crisis intervention
▪️A replacement for counseling
▪️A theology workshopParticipants are not asked to process their own grief publicly.

Format

🔸 Live, interactive virtual training
🔸 3 hours total
🔸 Includes teaching, demonstration, discussion, and Q&A

About the Facilitator

Nelson Pahl, Ph.D. is an experiential psychologist and grief guide specializing in meaning reconstruction, identity transformation, and narrative approaches to loss. His work is grounded in Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer’s grief model and current narrative therapy practices.Dr. Pahl focuses on helping helpers develop clarity, steadiness, and language for supporting grief without pathologizing or spiritual bypassing.

Logistics & Fee

▪️Flat institutional fee
▪️Scheduling flexible
▪️Suitable for churches of all sizes(Fee and scheduling discussed directly.)

Intended Outcomes

Participants leave with:→ A clear conceptual map of grief beyond stages
→ Greater confidence in grief conversations
→ Language that honors both suffering and meaning
→ Tools to care for the grieving without burnout or overreach

Contact Me

• Email Me

Or call/text:
913.297.2311

Copyright © 2026 Nelson Pahl.