David Kessler's Tender Hearts Grief Group

What David Kessler's Tender Hearts Grief Group Offers

Tender Hearts Grief Group is an online grief support community centered on the work and philosophy of David Kessler, an internationally recognized grief expert and author. The group is framed as "a transformational online grief support community" where people grieving the death of a loved one can connect with others and work toward what Kessler describes as remembering "with more love than pain." The service acknowledges that when difficult loss happens, people need support to navigate the complex terrain of grief, and it positions peer community and expert guidance as central to that healing process.

David Kessler coauthored "On Grief and Grieving" with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and extends her framework in his recent book "Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief," which was named one of the top 10 books for the fall by Publisher's Weekly. He is founder of Grief.com and has trained physicians, nurses, counselors, police officers, and first responders about loss.

The Tender Hearts Grief Group itself functions as an ongoing community where members participate in group support with others who are grieving. The site does not specify meeting frequency, group size, or interaction format. It does not publish pricing for membership, so prospective members must log in or contact the organization for cost information.

Free Online Courses and Support Series

Beyond the primary Tender Hearts Grief Group, David Kessler Training offers several free courses and support series designed for specific grief situations. These free offerings are widely available and do not require membership or payment.

"Love, Loss, and Parenting" is described as a free course specifically for bereaved parents. David Kessler walks participants through what the site calls "the healing process of one of the most challenging experiences" to remember with more love than pain. This course acknowledges that the death of a child occupies a unique and particularly devastating place in human experience, and parents who have lost a child face distinct and intense grief. The course appears designed to meet bereaved parents where they are and offer both education and emotional support tailored to their experience.

The "Online Suicide Loss Support Series" is a free 3-week video series addressing grief following suicide loss. The site notes that David Kessler covers "the topics that no one talks about when we are grieving the loss of a loved one by suicide" and aims to help people "find a way to peace, and love" after this particular type of loss. Suicide grief carries distinctive complications including guilt, unanswered questions, and societal stigma, so a specialized series reflects recognition that this path through grief differs from other bereavements and requires space for its unique challenges.

A free online talk addresses the grief that follows the loss of a parent. This talk is made available as a recorded webinar and "explores the unique grief that follows the loss of a parent," offering what Kessler describes as "compassionate guidance on releasing guilt, coping with loneliness, and creating a legacy of love." Losing a parent represents a major life transition with distinct emotional and practical dimensions: the loss of family history, the sense of being orphaned even in adulthood, and shifts in family roles. This free offering makes this guidance accessible to people navigating that transition.

A separate free special event explores grief following the loss of a spouse, partner, or fiancé, offering "practical tools and compassionate support" to help people "move forward and find your own path through this deeply personal loss." This acknowledges the distinct dimensions of losing a romantic partner, including loss of companionship and identity shifts.

The site also offers a free video titled "Grief is a No-Judgement Zone" aimed at helping people "navigate the rocky terrain of grief." This resource appears designed as an entry point for people newly grieving or seeking basic orientation to grief.

The Grief Educator Certification Program

Beyond peer support for the bereaved, David Kessler Training offers a Grief Educator Certification, described as "a comprehensive grief training program led by Grief Expert, David Kessler" designed to help participants "confidently guide others and heal your own heart." This program appears to be a professional training offering for people who want to become qualified to lead grief support, whether as counselors, clergy, community facilitators, or others working with grieving people. The site does not provide pricing, curriculum details, or duration information for this certification.

David Kessler's Background and Credentials

David Kessler's authority in the grief space rests on several foundations. He is the coauthor of "On Grief and Grieving" with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, giving him recognized standing in the field of thanatology (the study of death and dying). His new book, "Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief," was named one of the top 10 books for the fall by Publisher's Weekly, indicating both scholarly and popular recognition of his work. His previous books have been praised by Saint (Mother) Theresa and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and he has coauthored 2 books with Louise Hay and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.

Kessler's work has taken on additional depth from his personal experience with loss. He writes that despite spending much of his life teaching physicians, nurses, counselors, police officers, and first responders about loss, "nothing could prepare him for the death of his 21-year-old son in 2016." His continued work, he states, is in honor of his son David Jr. This integration of professional expertise with lived grief experience is central to his approach and credibility.

What the Site Does Not Disclose

The site does not publish pricing for the Tender Hearts Grief Group itself, so prospective members cannot determine the cost before logging in or contacting the organization. Similarly, pricing for the Grief Educator Certification program is not shown, and details about curriculum, duration, and accreditation are not provided on the captured pages.

Group size, meeting frequency, and the format of synchronous versus asynchronous interaction are not described. Someone considering joining would not know whether to expect weekly video calls, daily forum posts, monthly meetings, or another format entirely.

The site does not identify the Grief Educators as licensed therapists, counselors, or other credentialed professionals. It notes that "each educator is an individual with their own views, personalities, and expressions" and states that "the perspectives and actions of any Grief Educator are their own, and we are not responsible for their personal views or conduct." This disclaimer suggests the community includes trained grief educators whose backgrounds and qualifications may vary.

Who This Fits

Tender Hearts Grief Group fits people grieving the death of a loved one who want peer support grounded in David Kessler's framework of moving toward remembering with love rather than pain. It particularly suits bereaved parents, people who have lost a spouse or partner, and those grieving suicide loss, given the specific free courses offered for these populations. The free video resources make basic grief support accessible to anyone exploring their grief before committing to a paid community.

The Grief Educator Certification appeals to professionals and community members who want formal training in grief facilitation. The free courses and talks work well for people who want expert guidance but cannot afford paid membership or prefer to start with free resources.

It is less suitable for people in acute crisis who need immediate professional intervention or crisis support. While the resource is framed as supportive, it does not position itself as a crisis service. Someone actively suicidal or in severe acute distress should seek crisis services rather than relying on this community alone.