You are not alone. The feelings you are experiencing are not uncommon.
Let’s take a minute and explore these feelings and communicate honestly about them.
My Journey of Compassion
As a person of faith I thought that, due to my years of experience in the death industry, I knew how to deal with death and grief. I had lost grandparents and close friends, but when Justin died, I felt this overwhelming pain that sometimes felt as if it was even too difficult to breathe. So I went looking for answers. I bought every book on the subject, visited psychologists and doctors, and discovered that the truth is that there is no definitive answer to how we should deal with death and grief. There is no right or wrong way to do it.
Grief is not depression and can’t be treated as such. I hope that I can help those who are grieving find the courage to face the day.
I’m passionate about living and dying and celebrating life. I walk alongside people who are grieving, reaching out with compassion and understanding and offering ongoing grief support via my website and in person
The story of Lianne Barlon
Grief is as unique as a fingerprint…
Every person experiences it their way, and it doesn’t come with a manual. So I am here to help people navigate their journeys through grief, loss and even the path towards the end of their own lives.
My name is Lianne Barlon.
I am a wife, a daughter, a grandmother, a mother to three children and two angels. Through death, I have learnt what’s important and what’s not. So I don’t sweat the small stuff and try to live each day showing love and kindness to whoever I have contact with.
I am a grief counsellor, an end-of-life counsellor, a bereavement doula and an advocate for good death experiences. That may, to many, sound like a contradiction in terms. But with the proper support and guidance, I believe we can plan and prepare for the death of a loved one or even our own imminent passing, finding our way to peace and acceptance
My career as a counsellor began over 30 years ago when I worked with the CANSA Association, counselling terminally ill patients and their families. When my patients passed away, I often attended funeral and memorial services and wondered why the undertakers weren’t more of a support to the bereaved
They were often sullen, dressed in poorly fitted mismatched suits with off-white shirts and unpolished shoes, bringing minimal comfort to the bereaved or colour to celebrations of life. Then, 16 years ago, my oldest son Justin passed away in a motorbike accident, the thought of having to sit in front of one of these dreary-looking people to plan his funeral filled me with dread, and I was determined to find an undertaker who was none of the above.
I was fortunate. I found an undertaker who was an amazing support and helped me honour my son’s memory with the celebration of life he deserved. She herself had lost a child, and her empathy shone through.
This experience inspired me to want to help other families through the funeral arrangements and their grief and pain the same way. And so, Nina and Mike Collinge became my mentors, ultimately leading to me opening my own funeral service called “Just Funerals”.
Today, I share my experiences with people who don’t know where to turn or what to expect, whether they are processing the death of a loved one or preparing for their own death due to a terminal illness.
How can I help you?
Lianne provides insightful and knowledgeable advice & counselling for a host of experiences. Learn more by following the links below.
Grief Counselling
Grief is not just an emotion. It’s an experience. And one of the most challenging experiences we face. It can cripple you if you don’t deal with it head-on. Grief counselling is a specialised therapy designed to help you navigate the tumultuous waves of loss and mourning.
End of Life Doula / Companion
An End-of-life doula, also known as a support companion, plays a vital role in assisting someone and their loved ones during the challenging journey of terminal illness or imminent death. This unique form of support combines compassion, empathy, and practical guidance to ensure that those facing the end of their lives receive the care and comfort they need.
Death / Funeral Planning
Facing a terminal illness or the prospect of imminent death can be an incredibly challenging and emotionally charged time for anyone. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, considering and pre-planning your own funeral might seem overwhelming or even morbid. However, taking this step can offer a sense of peace and relief for yourself and your loved ones.
soul celebrant
Memorial rituals are incredibly important because they provide a heartfelt and personal way to honour and celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost.
Funerals & Memorials
Funerals and memorials hold a profound significance in our lives as they serve as critical junctures in the journey of grief and healing.
Living Funerals
A living funeral is a gathering that takes place before a person’s death, typically when facing a terminal illness or imminent death.
Committal Blessings at attended Cremations
Committals and blessings at attended cremations are a significant ritual in bidding farewell to a loved one who has passed away.
Anniversary Memorials
An anniversary memorial is a meaningful occasion that marks the date of a loved one’s death. It’s a time set aside to honour their memory, celebrate their life, and acknowledge their impact on those around them.
Forgiveness & Letting go
Forgiveness and letting go are cornerstones of the grieving process, helping us transition from a state of hurt and resentment to a place of peace and acceptance.
Baby Naming Ceremonies
Baby naming ceremonies for stillborn and miscarried babies can be an incredibly healing step in grieving. These ceremonies provide parents, as well as their family and friends, a tangible means of acknowledging the reality and significance of the loss, which can sometimes feel abstract or be minimised by others.
Workshops
Lianne is regularly looking for new ways for people to connect and come together when learning how to navigate their grief. Here is a collection of workshops that she highly recommends. At times, Lianne will host her own workshops, either based on these globally renowned programmes or developed by her. Watch this space for any relevant or recommended upcoming events.
Coping Strategies for Grieving During the Festive Season
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and facing the holidays without them can intensify the pain. The absence during traditional celebrations can be overwhelming, making it crucial to find ways to navigate this difficult time.
Courageous Conversations
In this enlightening workshop, you are invited to explore the often overlooked and feared topic of mortality. Picture a cosy room filled with individuals eager to discuss the mysteries of life's...
Good Grief
Life can be a rollercoaster ride filled with twists, turns, and unexpected drops. And sometimes, we face the heartache of loss or the challenges of navigating through difficult times. Good Grief is...
Death over Dinner
Death. It's a topic that often makes people uncomfortable, yet it's an inevitable part of life. However, a movement called "Death over Dinner" has taken the world by storm, aiming to transform how...
Insights & related topics of interest
A collection of Lianne’s blogs, thought-leadership articles and media pieces that will help support you as you navigate your journey.
Coping Strategies for Grieving During the Festive Season
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and facing the holidays without them can intensify the pain. The absence during traditional celebrations can be overwhelming, making it crucial to find ways to navigate this difficult time.
The Deep End of the Ocean
Grief, they say, moves like the ebb and flow of the ocean’s waves—relentless and unpredictable. It’s a reality I’ve intimately experienced.
Silent Grief: The Invisible Pain of Miscarriage
When I was 41, my husband Peter and I discovered we were expecting a baby. Of course, we hadn't planned for this, and at first, Peter was overwhelmed and unsure about how we could make it work. He...
Navigating the Five Stages of Grief: A Journey of Healing and Hope
Grief is a profound, soul-shaking emotion that catches us off guard, pushing us into an abyss of sorrow. It's not just a state of being but a journey. This heartbreaking pilgrimage seizes our being...
Creative ways to honour and remember your loved ones.
Death is a part of life. It is inevitable, and we all must deal with losing someone we love very much at one point or another. Yet it terrifies us. Not so much the thought that we will one day leave...
Coming to Terms With the Tragedy Of Suicide
When I say that I am a suicide survivor, I don't mean that I made an attempt on my own life. The fallout and grief of losing a loved one to suicide is intense, painful, and a journey of healing in...
Resources
A collection of highly recommended resources that may assist you on your journey
ASK- A Stranger Kind
A Stranger Kind is a non-profit organisation that hosts events where people can have one-on-one conversations with volunteers who have lived experience of a particular topic. This can be a powerful way to connect with others and learn from their experiences.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Lianne highly recommends Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's writings to those trying to find their way on their grieving journey. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross was truly a remarkable individual when it came to...
10 Highly Recommended Books to Help with Grief and Loss
Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face. While grief is a deeply personal journey, finding solace and support through literature can be immensely helpful. These...
The Human Library
The Human Library is a unique concept that aims to break down stereotypes and promote empathy by allowing people to "borrow" living books—individuals who have experienced various life challenges and...
Death Café
A Death Cafe is a unique gathering where people, often strangers, come together in a safe, welcoming environment to discuss topics related to death and dying. The purpose of these meetings is not to...