Richard Bristol

Richard Bristol, PhD, has lived in many regions of the United States and spent three years in Jerusalem, Israel, where he experienced a wide range of cultures, faith traditions, and practices of coping with grief. These diverse encounters have given him a deep appreciation for the ways people across the world find meaning, strength, and resilience in times of loss. With many years of service as a Chaplain and member of the Clergy, Richard has guided individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult seasons. His work in pastoral counseling and coaching reflects both compassion and practicality, helping people face grief honestly while discovering hope and healing. He has supported individuals one-on-one as well as led grief groups, creating safe spaces for people to share, process, and grow through their experiences of loss. Richard is a Board Certified Chaplain, Board Certified Pastoral Counselor, and Clinical Specialist in Palliative and Hospice Care through the Center for Spiritual Care and Pastoral Formation(CSCPF). He is also a Certified Grief Counselor through the American Academy of Grief Counseling. His training and credentials, combined with his years of hands-on ministry, provide him with a well-rounded and deeply empathetic approach to care. Above all, Richard’s calling is to walk alongside those who grieve, offering presence, guidance, and encouragement as they navigate the difficult journey of loss and work toward reconciliation, healing, and renewed hope.

Articles:

When a Parent is Ninety: Grieving the Loss of a Child

When a Parent is Ninety: Grieving the Loss of a ChildGrief has no expiration date. Whether you are thirty or ninety, the loss of a child shakes the soul. For a 90-year-old parent, this loss can feel especially disorienting — as if the natural order of life has been reversed. No matter how many years have passed, a parent never stops being a parent, and the heart never stops longing for the child it has loved.The Butterfly and the Empty BranchImagine a butterfly resting on a branch — delicate, vibrant, part of the garden’s beauty. It is late in the […]

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