testimonials
Success in Their Words

Brian Smith is a talented and compassionate person who went through one of the hardest things that can happen to a parent: losing a child. I met him during the darkest days of my soul after I lost my only child.
His knowledge of spirituality and science is impressive. I know that his devotion and compassion are going to help so many others find their true path.
Thank you, Brian, for the wonderful work that you do and for being such a bright light for so many of us.Paola Leslie
Our time together was invaluable. Truly. You have an amazing ability to pinpoint life factors that affect grief management. This is a tricky, challenging subject full of tears.
Our sessions provided a great sense of awareness regarding what you can and cannot control as well as monitoring realistic expectations of those who surround me.
With your constant, compassionate support, I find myself climbing out of my mental black hole. It’s time to move forward and take life as it comes.
Thank you, Brian! You have reminded me of purpose and acceptance. You are one of my rocks of stability and one of life’s blessings.Andrea Scherer
As you know, I came to you because I appreciated your experience and expertise regarding grief, planning, family issues, and spirituality.
I’ve learned a LOT about all those subjects- both from our conversations and from the resources and opportunities you suggested so I can learn on my own. I have clarified my plans for how I want my life to look now and in the future.
I am moving forward in learning some aspects of grief and healing that I was lacking in. Perhaps most importantly, you’ve helped me harness all I’ve learned in this journey to increase my self-confidence and move ahead.Claudia Milligan
I chose to work with Brian because I’ve known him for over 10 years. That much time has given me the opportunity to see his integrity and heart. He’s an exceptional person in so many ways, and I’ve always felt lucky to have met him, even luckier to call him a friend. The chance to work directly with him was too incredible of an opportunity to pass up.
Do yourself a favor, don’t pass it up. Before I reached out to Brian, I was worried we wouldn’t vibe and that it might be awkward because of our friendship.
Brian is a great listener. He really made me feel heard and understood. His advice and perspective rang a bell of truth in my soul. Brian’s better than many therapists I’ve had. Brian helped me to feel a connection to humanity. I can call back on that when I’m feeling lonely. It’s easier to give myself permission to be loved, including to love myself. If you’re thinking about meeting up with him, do it. Don’t wait. He’s an amazing coach.Caprise Adams
When our teenage son Teo passed suddenly, we looked into traditional therapists to help with our shock and grief but realized quickly that Brian was a much better fit.
He brought a calming, supportive, non-judgmental, and strength-based approach to our coaching sessions. Instead of regarding our devastating grief as a problem to be fixed because he had gone through a similar experience with his daughter, he served as an inspiring role model and living proof that being fully in our grief (vs. suppressing it) could eventually take us to a place of post-traumatic growth.
Ongoing communication with our son has turned out to be an essential part of our healing, and we needed to speak with someone who understood rather than patronized. Brian is open-minded while being discerning, compassionate, and non-ideological. He has been an incredible support to us during the hardest times of our lives.
I would say that couples that may have different approaches to therapy, grief, and the idea that our loved ones are still alive probably couldn’t find a better guide through this impossible yet expansive journey. We both felt better every time we talked to Brian; I think you will too.Cecilie S.
I have been through a tremendously difficult time in my life following the losses of my father and my fiancé who passed away only 2 years apart. I was fortunate enough to have the support of Brian to help me through this challenging period.
From the very first meeting, I felt deeply understood due to the genuine warmth and empathy in our sessions.
Throughout our conversations, I felt completely at ease and secure in the knowledge that I was in a safe, non-judgmental space. Brian was open-minded, understanding, and always willing to listen to my thoughts and feelings. I will be forever grateful for the guidance and support that he provided.
I can honestly say that working with Brian helped me considerably in dealing with some intrusive thoughts and gave me the nudge I needed to start building a new life after loss. If you find yourself in a difficult time of bereavement, I would highly recommend booking a discovery session with Brian.Sina H
I love Brian’s calm manner and gentle approach.As someone who already has a background in mental health and loves self-help books and programs, I had no idea how much I would get out of the positive intelligence program. Learning about and becoming aware of how often my saboteurs interfere with my day-to-day thoughts and activities was very enlightening.
As someone pretty self-aware and committed to continual personal growth and improvement, I was surprised by how much my saboteurs were hijacking my thoughts. This program was enlightening, and I highly recommend it to anyone! It has helped me be more aware of and reframe my thoughts to be more compassionate with myself and others.Samantha F
I very much appreciated Saturday’s session. I like having conversations that include my partner Cecilie and touch on both the intensely emotional part of this process as well as the metaphysical and intellectual pieces that contribute to developing new understandings and perspectives on my child transitioning but being very present.
Afterward, I felt calmer and more hopeful. I like how I can make an appointment for a time that works for me, that I can talk about anything I need to and don’t have to script the conversation beforehand, and how you are a steady and very human presence.
Mostly I benefit from anything you say that helps me hope for my own future as I struggle to rebuild my life after the transition of my son since you’ve walked a similar path. Most days that’s what I need to know that someone else has done it in a positive way.Carolyn Hunt
Brian spoke to me about two months after my 15-year-old son had passed. He reassured me that our kids leave us signs and that they are always with us. He spoke about his beautiful daughter and her awesome spirit. He made me feel like grief was okay and that the process is something you must allow yourself to go through in order to grow. His energy for life and honoring grief is truly authentic.
If you are grieving and need to figure out how to grow from it, stay connected to your loved one, or just need a grief partner to listen to your thoughts, he is the guy!
Thanks, Brian, for everything!Jennifer “Jaki” Johnson
There are a lot of so-called “grief experts” out there whose attempts to teach and counsel fall short because they can only reference their own personal experiences. Brian has the unique ability to address grief from a more pluralistic perspective, drawing on his own loss experience but also creating a spacious place of listening and compassion for his clients. He doesn’t try to position himself as a guru. He is a wise teacher, but his humility makes all the difference.
Brian knows how to express complex ideas and unpack complicated emotions in a way that makes them understandable and easy to digest. He has a clear vision, spiritual depth, and a calming presence.
I’ve seen Brian captivate workshop audiences and guide classes into deep healing insights.Terri Daniels
I did not hesitate to work with Brian. After reading the book, I was very excited to speak to someone with a similar experience who could offer help.
I liked that you understood where I was and that I could possibly function again one day.
I have been able to work again, make decisions, and plan for the hard days. I figured out strategies for daily life. I learned to make decisions based on where I am at any given moment, not based on what makes sense to the old Kelly.
Brian was an absolute blessing to me. I hope that he helps many others.
If you don’t have any idea how to function after losing a child, talk to Brian.Kelly A.
Brian gave an insightful and cohesive lecture on the process of grief and healing at one of my mediumship groups. He discussed the impact of loss and how people receive information during a reading. Touching on key topics, he helped my community of healers understand the different stages of grief and the importance of sensitivity. It was a unique experience that benefitted my class to better understand the perspective of the sitter.
Phyllis Okon (Lady Phyllis)
About 4 years ago my son was murdered. As a cradle Catholic, I naturally leaned on my church family for support and understanding. While I did receive an abundance of love and support, the understanding was not there. The Catholic religion teaches that if we live by the doctrines of the church we will live for eternity in the light of God through the sacrifice of Jesus. I fully believed this but did not really grasp the reality of the words. I was told to just have faith and that heaven is a mystery not to be understood. These thoughts created fear and anxiety for me but I could not just accept it.
I knew my son was living because he kept revealing it to me in miraculous ways that began within days after he transitioned but I could not share this with my church family for fear of rejection and ridicule.
My son was also a cradle Catholic. He believed in Jesus but did not agree with all the doctrines of the church. He was a compassionate, kind and joyful human being and sometimes troubled. He wore a sleeve tattoo of the face of a suffering Jesus crowned with thorns and a caption that read “God save me”.
Brian’s work through Grief 2 Growth has given me that understanding. His wealth of knowledge about religion, spirituality and the afterlife has helped me to integrate my faith with my spirituality. I am now learning and growing outside the guilt and restrictions of religion and even though I will always grieve the loss of my son’s physical presence, I feel joy because I now understand that he lives on. All is well with my soul.
Peace & Blessings,Marilyn
When I think about what makes working with Brian so valuable, it comes down to his deep understanding of matters of the heart—grief, family, and the complex ways they intertwine. His energy is a perfect match for my life, not just because of his experience but because of how he manages his thoughts and aligns them with the possible outcomes. That mindset alone creates a space where real change feels possible.
One of the biggest benefits I’ve found in working with Brian is realizing that my struggles aren’t mine alone. Grief can feel isolating, but understanding that others have walked this path too makes a world of difference. At the same time, I know that shifting my behavior and responses is something only I can do—Brian doesn’t try to “fix” anything for me. Instead, he guides me to see what’s within my power to change.
What stands out most about our conversations is the balance. It’s not just about being heard; it’s about being understood. I spoke, I listened. He heard, he responded. That kind of exchange is rare—it’s uplifting. And honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about the way he works.
If someone is searching for guidance in their grief, if they need help navigating loss, I would tell them: Brian is a safe place. He’s been there. He understands. And sometimes, just knowing someone like him is there—that’s all we really need.Linda Shein
Working with Brian has been one of the most supportive experiences of my grief journey. The notes he sends after each session are something I’ve never seen anyone else do, and they’ve been incredibly helpful. On the days when I feel like I’m not making much progress, those notes remind me that I actually am.
This grief road is brutal—especially around holidays and anniversaries—and Brian has helped me navigate some of the hardest moments of my life. He’s given me a space to talk openly about my pain and the love I still have for my wife, Theresa. I truly believe she’s with me in spirit, and Brian has helped me strengthen that connection.
When I’m struggling, my daughter will ask, ‘When are you meeting with Brian?’ That says everything about the impact he’s had.
Talking with Brian has helped me get through mornings that felt unbearable. He listens, he understands, and he guides without judgment. Even though I still wake up with a heavy heart and waves of sorrow, I know I’m not walking this alone.
I appreciate Brian more than I can say. He’s helped me move in the right direction, even when I couldn’t see it myself. I’ll continue booking sessions because his support has truly been a lifeline for me during the most difficult year of my life.
— PatPat W.
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