Gary Roe Shares His Journey of Healing and Hope Through Writing and Grief Counseling
The Power of Words in Healing Grief
Featured in Reader’s House Magazine
Gary Roe, a grief specialist and award-winning author, shares his personal journey through loss, the transformative power of writing, and his dedication to helping others heal through books, courses, and counseling.
Gary Roe’s journey into grief recovery is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of healing through compassion and writing. With nearly four decades of experience, he has devoted his life to guiding others through loss, offering a beacon of hope to those navigating the complexities of grief. His work as a missionary, pastor, and hospice chaplain has allowed him to connect deeply with individuals at various stages of mourning, bringing a unique blend of empathy, wisdom, and spiritual insight to his practice. His ability to reach those in pain and provide them with solace speaks to his profound understanding of grief and the emotional toll it takes.
As an award-winning author of more than 20 books, Gary has made a lasting impact on the way people process and heal from loss. His book Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child stands as a powerful resource for grieving parents, offering both comfort and practical guidance for navigating unimaginable pain. Meanwhile, Grieving the Write Way Journal and Workbook emphasizes the healing power of writing, a method Gary has personally relied upon to process his own grief. By sharing his experiences through books, speaking engagements, and online courses, he empowers others to face their pain, embrace healing, and ultimately rediscover hope.
Gary’s personal experiences with loss began early in life, shaping the way he approaches grief counseling and writing. Raised in an environment marked by mixed messages and abuse, he endured profound losses during his childhood and teen years. His journey toward healing led him to dedicate his life to helping others find solace in the midst of suffering. This deep understanding of pain and recovery has informed his work, allowing him to connect with others on a deeply personal level.
Writing became a transformative tool for Gary after the sudden death of his father at the age of 15. Pouring his emotions onto paper, he found a way to express the sadness, anger, and confusion that overwhelmed him. Writing provided a safe space for his thoughts and emotions, allowing him to process his grief in a meaningful way. Through journaling, he discovered that expressing emotions in a healthy and productive manner was essential to the healing process. His belief in the power of writing as a tool for grief recovery has since become a cornerstone of his work, as he encourages others to find solace through words.
Among his many impactful books, Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child is particularly significant. Writing this book was an immense challenge, as it required him to step into the unimaginable pain of grieving parents. His goal was to create a resource that met parents in their grief, validated their pain, and offered hope in the midst of devastation. The response has been profound, with countless parents expressing gratitude for the comfort and guidance the book has provided.
Gary’s approach to grief counseling is deeply rooted in meeting individuals where they are in their journey, including their spiritual beliefs. His experience in ministry has given him a unique perspective on the role of faith in the grieving process. He believes that Jesus Christ, described in the Bible as a “man of sorrows,” is the ultimate grief expert. His faith allows him to love and support people in their struggles, providing a sense of safety and understanding in their time of need. He acknowledges that loss profoundly affects the soul and emphasizes the importance of healing at the deepest level.
Balancing the demands of writing, speaking, and grief counseling requires a careful approach to emotional well-being. Maintaining boundaries while remaining flexible to meet the needs of others is a challenge, but Gary finds strength through his wife’s support and the guidance of trusted mentors. His ability to recognize when he needs to step back and recharge ensures that he can continue his important work without becoming overwhelmed.
Looking ahead, Gary is excited about expanding his efforts to support those dealing with grief. He is developing more courses for his online school, Overcoming Grief, covering topics such as anxiety, depression, guilt, forgiveness, and changing relationships. He also plans to offer workshops addressing these issues, providing practical guidance for those seeking healing. Additionally, he is currently working on his own life story, a project that he hopes will inspire others by showing that recovery, healing, and growth are possible for anyone.
Through his books, courses, and speaking engagements, Gary Roe continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those who are grieving. His unwavering commitment to helping others navigate loss and find hope stands as a testament to the power of compassion and resilience. His journey serves as an inspiration to all who face the pain of loss, reminding them that healing is possible and that they are not alone.
