GUIDING YOUR GRIEF
I offer personal advice to bereaved families and grief professionals.
I’m Dr Shelley Gilbert, MBE, an independent consultant psychotherapist focusing on childhood bereavement.
I founded Grief Encounter, one of the leading bereavement charities in the UK.
Having lost my parents at a young age, I dedicated my career to helping those experiencing similar circumstances.
HOW I CAN HELP
FOR PROFESSIONALS
I offer mentorship and supervision to support you on your learning journey.
FOR BEREAVED FAMILIES
I offer consultation to help you find your best path to hope and healing.
LATEST NEWS FROM THE GRIEF DOCTOR
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
MBE
Member of the Order of the British Empire
Services to bereaved children & families
2015
Daily Mail Inspirational Woman of the Year
2012
BACP/Wiley Researcher of the Year
2016/17
Middlesex University / Metanoia Prize
2016
Other recognitions
• 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
Publications by Dr Shelley Gilbert
Grief Book
An activity book designed to support children following bereavement. Through guided exercises and gentle prompts, it helps young people process emotions, understand their grief and begin to rebuild a sense of stability after loss.
Teen Guide
Created for teens facing the loss of a loved one, offering a safe space to explore feelings, questions and challenges that come with grief. Inside, you’ll find supportive insights and practical tools.
ACAMHs Research
I have contributed to the growing body of research into childhood bereavement, including work presented through ACAMH with Dr Saul Hillman (Anna Freud, UCL). Featured research includes Understanding Traumatic Grief: A Review of 12 Studies Around Bereavement in Children and Young People.
Grief Reads
A booklist chosen by The Grief Doctor to support children, young people and families through grief. Designed to open conversations, validate emotions and provide comfort at different ages.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
I have created 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