Coaching
for Widows
Compassionate 1-1 support from trained coaches who are widows themselves. We guide others through the L.I.V.E. framework—Loss, Identity, Vision, Engagement—to process grief, restore identity, and move forward with purpose.
What is Coaching?
Coaching is a guided, one-on-one process designed to help widows explore what they want, what’s getting in the way, and how to take meaningful steps forward. It’s not therapy or advice-giving.
Coaching is a plan-building partnership built on questions, curiosity, and empowerment.
Through structured conversations, a trained widow coach helps each woman clarify her values, envision a future she can grow into, and build confidence through action.
Whether it’s navigating parenting alone, redefining a career path, or simply figuring out what’s next, coaching provides a safe, supportive space to move at your own pace—with someone who truly understands the road you’re on. Coaching can turn vague hopes into tangible plans, and uncertainty into a sense of purpose.
How does it help?
After the loss of a spouse, it can feel like life as you knew it has been stripped away—along with your roles, routines, and even your sense of self. While grief support offers a space to mourn, coaching helps you with questions like, “what now?”
Paisley Project provides a forward-looking framework that empowers widows to make sense of where they are and begin to shape what comes next. We believe that healing involves more than surviving.
Our professional coaches—all who are widows themselves—can help you recognize what remains, reclaim your voice, and reimagine a future that is every bit worth the effort. It’s about more than goal-setting; it’s about identity restoration, resilience, and a renewed belief (and excitement) for what’s possible.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
— C.S. LEWIS
Select Your Coach
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Cindi Betz
My husband passed in February, 2000. I was 47, my husband was 48, and I had two sons in college. When this loss happened, I had to completely redefine my identity and find a way to go back to work. I went to school to become a massage therapist and found that massage was beneficial for the body, mind, and soul in the healing process.
I've now begun another new, beautiful journey as coach for Paisley Project. Having gone through coaching myself, I can attest to its profound impact, and I look forward to helping other women on their journeys.$300 / 6 Sessions
Start with a complimentary session. -
Sara Buxton
In 2016, when I was 31 years old, I became a widow and single mom to a 3-year-old when my husband passed away unexpectedly.
I have taught elementary school for 18 years, and I love helping people and children to bring out the best in themselves. On this journey I have learned to find joy and love again and hope to help others find their purpose and joy again too.
$300 / 6 Sessions
Start with a complimentary session. -
Karyl McKendry
I lost my husband when I was 44 years old.
While raising four children, working full-time, and moving three times, I learned that as common as widowhood is… there are very few resources available for these women.
I was determined to address the isolation of loss and the confusion of supporters. I wanted to help widows not only to survive, but to thrive. This led to founding the Paisley Project in 2014.
$300 / 6 Sessions
Start with a complimentary session. -
Diane Farris
I am one of the many widows who have gone before you in the loss of our beloveds. My husband committed suicide June 2014 and years later, I am still affected. Having someone to speak with who was encouraging and non-judgmental was what I needed.
I encourage each of you to keep taking steps, continue to breathe, and give yourself grace as you navigate the Paisley framework L.I.V.E. (Loss, Identity, Vision, Engagement).
$300 / 6 Sessions
Start with a complimentary session. -
Holly Leigh
I became a widow at age 51 in 2014, when my husband passed from complications of a failed mitral valve.
As a mom of three adult daughters and a retired schoolteacher, I have found joy in helping others to search inwardly for strengths, and to set and reach goals. In this season of my life, coaching allows me to continue to support others and offer encouragement and assistance to people as they set intentional plans for their life.
$300 / 6 Sessions
Start with a complimentary session. -
Michelle Nelson
Life as I knew it crashed around me in 2019 when my husband Dwight went hiking in Vail. With no prior symptoms or warnings he died on the mountain and never came home.
If you are open, glimmers sometimes appear in the most unexpected places. My connection with the Paisley Project helped me understand that I will always be a widow but I am so much more too. As part of my healing process, I became a Certified Coach as a way to share what I've learned and be there for other widows in their journey to L.I.V.E.
$300 / 6 Sessions
Start with a complimentary session. -
Suzanne Milani
My husband, Darius, passed away in suddenly in August 2019 at the age of 63. We had been married for 38 years, with two children.
We lose a part of our identity when someone we love dies. I learned that the grief process is becoming who we are now and figuring out how to show up in this world, forever changed. My goal as a coach is to help you navigate the losses associated with this new life and the challenges that often come up, and to support you as you rebuild your life.
$300 / 6 Sessions
Start with a complimentary session.
FAQ
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The rates for coaching in the U.S. average between $100–$250 per session (usually 45–60 minutes). At Paisley Project, we believe so strongly in the value of coaching that we offer the following opportunities:
First session: Complimentary
Next six sessions: Paisley Project offers a package of six coaching sessions for $300, which comes out to $50/session
Additional sessions: After the initial seven sessions (complimentary session + package of six sessions), coaching services continue at $100/session
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There are many reasons why it is important to make a commitment to total of six sessions.
Coaching is most effective over time. A six-session commitment allows for:
More trust and connection between coach and client
Time to build awareness about how hidden obstacles interfere with healing
Clear progress toward healing and personal goals
Healing isn’t linear—but with consistency, you create real momentum
With multiple sessions, your coach can facilitate your efforts to:
Create a personalized healing journey using the L.I.V.E. framework
Track your growth and adapt the process based on your evolving needs
Go beyond surface-level support into lasting change
Regular sessions:
Help increase awareness of potential “triggers,” and develop tools to address them
Offer a safe space to process daily life with a skilled listener
Create space to pause, reflect, and grow at your own pace
When you're lost in grief, a guide walking with you consistently makes all the difference
Cost Savings:
Paisley Project offers a discounted rate for bundled sessions
Less administrative hassle than booking/pay-as-you-go
Save time, money, and mental energy
Commitment = Intentional Creation of Hope. Choosing a six-session package sends a powerful message to yourself:
“I am worth investing in.”
“My healing matters.”
“I don’t have to figure this out alone.”
“I still have gifts that the world needs.”
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The Paisley Project offers coaching services designed specifically by widows, for widows. All of our coaches are widows themselves, and have undergone additional training to understand and utilitize the L.I.V.E. Framework. Learn more about the framework.
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Take a look at the coach profiles above and select a coach you would like to start with.
You may find yourself drawn to a particular coach based on her experience or background. You can read the individual biographies of each coach above, to get an idea of the personality and histories of each coach to help you make a decision. In addition, you can choose a coach based on your schedule preferences.
From there, you may choose your preferred time and submit payment for your six-session package. If you’d like to talk to someone about coaching, please reach out to us. We’re happy to talk to you about whether or not Paisley Project coaching is the right fit for you (or the widow in your life).
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Because we intend to make our coaching program available nationwide, our coaching sessions are all conducted by phone. If you and your coach agree, sessions may also be conducted virtually using a video conferencing app.
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Coaching provides a safe space for widows to express their emotions, develop personalized healing plans, build resilience and coping skills, rediscover their identity and purpose, manage practical concerns, and create a supportive network. These aspects collectively aid in navigating the grief journey and finding healing.
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The L.I.V.E. framework is a structured approach used by the Paisley Project to support widows through their grief journey:
L – Loss
I – Identity
V – Vision
E – Engagement
This framework helps widows move from the point of loss to a renewed sense of identity, a reimagined vision for their life, and eventual joyful engagement with the world.
All of these categories contain topics that are appropriate for coaching. Learn more about our framework for healing.
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Paisley Project coaches are professionally trained by Four Streams School of Coaching, associated with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). We chose to train with Four Streams because of its focus on the dignity of every human being. This training also draws from multiple disciplines to create a superior coaching experience: neuroscience, positive psychology, and the basics of life coaching. Our coaches subscribe to the ICF Code of Ethics. This training has proven to be essential in providing safe and effective connections with new widows.
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