GUIDING YOUR GRIEF
I’m Dr Shelley Gilbert, MBE, an independent consultant psychotherapist focusing on child bereavement.
I offer personal advice to the bereaved and their families, and personal training and mentoring to grief professionals.
Having loss my parents at a young age I have dedicated my career to helping those experiencing similar circumstances.
I founded Grief Encounter, one of the leading bereavement charities in the UK and, as their clinical director, I developed grief-coping programmes and resources, including the award-winning Grief Book.
<HOW I CAN HELP
FOR PROFESSIONALS
I offer training, mentorship and supervision to support you on your learning journey.
FOR BEREAVED FAMILIES
I offer consultation helping you find your best path to hope and healing.
FOR THOSE SUPPORTING
I offer a raft of advice, guidance and tools to help you help others.
LATEST FROM THE GRIEF DOCTOR
LATEST NEWS
MY TED TALK
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Awards & Recognitions
🎖️
MBE
Member of the Order of the British Empire
Services to bereaved children & families
🏆
BACP/Wiley Researcher of the Year
2016/17
👑
Daily Mail Inspirational Woman of the Year
2012
Other recognitions
• 2016 → Middlesex University / Metanoia Prize
• 2008 → Minerva Outstanding Woman of the Year
• 2007 → Bank of America Excellence Hero Award
• 2006 → Norwood Helping Hand Award
• AOL Innovation in the Community Award
And many more over three decades of dedicated service
LATEST RESEARCH
ACAMH Research
I recently contributed to the growing body of robust research that can be actioned in practice through a presentation to the Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health with Dr Saul Hillman (Anna Freud, UCL) about our research : Understanding Traumatic Grief: A Review of 12 studies around Bereavement in Children and Young people
PUBLICATION
The Teen Guide
This new guide was created for teens facing the loss of a loved one, offering a safe space to explore the feelings, questions, and challenges that come with grief. Inside, you’ll find supportive insights and practical tools.
Available in hardback and digital:
LATEST NEWS
MY TED TALK
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
I’ve received countless awards for my work including:
- An MBE for helping bereaved children and young people in the UK
- Daily Mail Inspirational Woman of the Year (2012)
- Middlesex University/Metanoia End of Year prize (2016)
- BACP/Wiley Researcher of the Year (2016/7)
- Bank of America Excellence Hero Award (2007)
- AOL Innovation in the Community Award
- Minerva Outstanding Woman of the Year (2008)
- Norwood Helping Hand Award for exceptional dedication (2006)
LATEST RESEARCH
ACAMH Research
I recently contributed to the growing body of robust research that can be actioned in practice through a presentation to the Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health with Dr Saul Hillman (Anna Freud, UCL) about our research : Understanding Traumatic Grief: A Review of 12 studies around Bereavement in Children and Young people
PUBLICATION
The Teen Guide
This FREE downloadable new guide was created for teens facing the loss of a loved one, offering a safe space to explore the feelings, questions, and challenges that come with grief. Inside, you’ll find supportive insights and practical tools.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
I have created and curated a number of clinically researched resources to help all ages
Speaking & Media Appearances
Watch Dr Shelley Gilbert in selected talks, interviews and features
Healing Through Grief
A personal journey through loss and recovery
Supporting Families in Crisis
Expert insights on grief and resilience
The Future of Grief Support
Innovation in therapy and mental health
PODCASTS
Real Women’s Stories Podcast
Dr Shelley Gilbert joins Lisa Quait to discuss child bereavement, the spiral of grief, and how families can be supported through loss in this honest and powerful conversation.
Griefcast
A thoughtful conversation about grief, children, and the work behind Mr Good Grief.
If She Can, I Can
Episode 10, Season 1 — turning early-life tragedy into a life mission to support others.
As seen in the media
Press · Television
With friends & supporters
KIND WORDS FOR THE GRIEF DOCTOR
“When I received one of the first copies of the Grief Encounter Workbook, I wept tears of joy and sadness. It gave us all permission to grieve for Holly until the day we die.”
.
Kevin Wells, father of Holly Wells who was murdered in Soham aged 10
“She helped shine a light in the darkness and showed us that we could one day emerge from the shadows of grief.”
Ben Brookes-Dutton, Author Lifeasawidower.com
(son lost his mum aged 2)
Shelley Gilbert has been perfectly positioned to write this book with her background and expertise as a bereaved child herself, and her award-winning work within clinical practice, research and psychotherapy. The result is one of most relevant and practical grief books possible.
.
Dr Saul Hillman,
Anna Freud Centre