Thanatology • Grief Education • Mindfulness • Professional Training
Heather Stang: Publications, Awards & Professional Contributions
Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT, is a thanatologist, author, speaker, and creator of the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System . For more than two decades, her work has focused on translating contemporary grief theory and mindfulness-based practices into practical support for grieving people and the professionals who serve them.
In 2025, Heather received the Clinical Practice Award from the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). Her work appears in professional grief therapy texts including The Handbook of Grief Therapies and Techniques of Grief Therapy: Assessment and Intervention, as well as her books Living With Grief, From Grief to Peace, and Navigating Loss.
Professional Background
Credentials & Recognition Behind the Work
Master of Arts in Thanatology, Hood College, 2010
Heather earned her master's degree through Hood College's former graduate program in thanatology, with interdisciplinary study in death, dying, grief, and bereavement. Hood now offers graduate education in thanatology through its certificate program .
2025 ADEC Clinical Practice Award
The Association for Death Education and Counseling recognized Heather with its 2025 Clinical Practice Award for her contributions to the field of grief support and clinical practice. View ADEC's Past Award Winners .
Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) & Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist
Heather trained in the Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy method, a body-centered approach integrating yoga, mindfulness, embodied inquiry, and client-centered facilitation. Her yoga therapy background informs the somatic and mindfulness-based practices she brings to grief support and professional education. Learn about Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy .
Creator of the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System
Heather created the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System , a practical framework integrating contemporary grief theory with mindfulness, self-compassion, journaling, movement, continuing bonds, meaning-making, and other approaches to adapting to life after loss.
Certified Integrated Attachment Theory Coach
Heather completed the Integrated Attachment Theory Certification through Personal Development School, with training in attachment patterns, core wounds, emotional processing, client session structure, boundaries, communication, and relationship dynamics. This training complements her work with non-death loss, relationship loss, and life transitions. Learn about Integrated Attachment Theory Certification .
Books by Heather Stang
Grief Books for Living With Loss
Heather's books bring together contemporary grief theory, mindfulness, self-compassion, journaling, and embodied practice in ways that are practical, compassionate, and grounded in real life.
Third Edition
Living With Grief
Mindful meditations and self-care strategies for navigating loss
Living With Grief brings together contemporary grief theory, mindfulness, meditation, journaling, gentle movement, and self-compassion.
It offers structure without relying on rigid stages or pressure to “move on,” giving readers practices that can help them stay connected to themselves while adapting to life after loss.
Death & Non-Death Loss
Navigating Loss
Wisdom and self-care for times of grief and the challenges of life
Not every grief begins with a death, and not every loss is recognized by the people around us.
Navigating Loss explores death and non-death loss, disenfranchised grief, identity shifts, and unwanted life changes. Through grief theory, reflection, nature-based metaphors, and practical exercises, the book helps readers understand what they are experiencing, care for themselves, and begin reorienting toward a meaningful future.
Guided Journal • 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System
From Grief to Peace
A guided journal for navigating loss with compassion and mindfulness
Sometimes it is easier to understand what you are feeling when you have somewhere to put it.
From Grief to Peace follows the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System through guided writing, mindfulness, self-reflection, meaning-making, continuing bonds, and compassionate inquiry.
It can be used on its own or alongside Living With Grief as a gentle structure for reflection and practice.
Published Contributions
Contributions to Professional Grief Literature
Heather's writing has appeared in professional texts addressing grief therapy, bereavement, mindfulness, hospice care, embodied practice, and adaptation after loss.
The Handbook of Grief Therapies
Heather's chapter: Mindfulness-Based Grief Therapy
This chapter explores mindfulness-based approaches to grief therapy and the integration of contemplative practices with contemporary approaches to bereavement.
Seasons of Grief
Heather's chapter: Journaling Through Grief & Beyond
Superhero Grief
Heather's chapter: Grief, Loss and the Superpower of Mindfulness
Intimacy and Sexuality During Illness and Loss
Heather's chapter: Complementary Therapies: Intimacy in Hospice Care
Techniques of Grief Therapy: Assessment and Intervention
Heather contributed three practices:
- Compassion & Lovingkindness Meditation
- The Relaxation Response
- Yoga for Grief
The Mindfulness & Grief System
Development of the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System
Heather's approach developed at the intersection of thanatology, mindfulness, yoga therapy, suicide prevention, grief education, and direct work with grieving people.
An early expression of this work was Yoga for Grief, an eight-week program integrating yoga, meditation, journaling, expressive arts, and grief education. Heather's professional history and the development of this early program are documented by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Omega Institute .
Over time, this work developed into the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System. Today, the System informs Heather's books, grief support, professional education, and the methodology taught in the Mindfulness & Grief Coach Certification .
Leadership & Service
Professional Leadership in Grief & Bereavement
Frederick Health Hospice
Heather serves on the Board of Directors of Frederick Health Hospice, supporting an organization providing hospice care, grief support, education, and community services.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Heather serves on the TAPS Advisory Board and has contributed grief education, mindfulness programs, workshops, and resources for people grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
Teaching & Training
Professional Education & Speaking
Heather teaches therapists, counselors, coaches, chaplains, hospice and healthcare professionals, yoga therapists, meditation teachers, bereavement professionals, and other helping professionals.
Her teaching focuses on grief literacy, mindfulness and grief, practical grief-support skills, practitioner well-being, non-death loss, and sustainable approaches to caring for grieving people.
Her professional education and speaking have included work with organizations such as the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Hospice Foundation of America, and Omega Institute.
Current Work
Work With Heather
Mindfulness & Grief Coach Certification
The Mindfulness & Grief Coach Certification is a 12-week live professional training in the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System, including guided practice, grief education, ethical scope, and practical tools for supporting clients.
Professional Mentoring
Helping professionals can work individually with Heather through Grief Professional Mentoring & Consultation to strengthen their grief-support skills and apply what they know to real-world practice.
Private Grief Coaching
Heather offers private grief coaching for people who want individualized support as they navigate loss and life after loss.
Speaking & Organizational Training
Heather provides keynotes, workshops, and professional education for conferences, organizations, healthcare teams, and helping professionals.
About Heather Stang
Grief Theory Meets Real-World Practice
Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT, is a thanatologist, author, grief educator, speaker, and founder of the Mindfulness & Grief Institute. She is the creator of the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System and recipient of the 2025 Association for Death Education and Counseling Clinical Practice Award.
Her work bridges grief theory and real-world practice, helping grieving people live with loss and helping professionals know what to offer without rushing, fixing, or minimizing grief.