Meet Claire Winik, MSW

We were lucky to catch up with Claire Winik, MSW recently and have shared our conversation below.

Claire , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I discovered my purpose through the legacy of suffering and loss I’ve experienced in my lifetime. While I don’t believe that suffering is a prerequisite for finding one’s purpose, for me, it was through my pain that I found mine.

In 2001, I tragically lost my sister—a moment that forever changed the course of my life and remains one of the most profound and painful events I’ve endured. I was raised by parents who emphasized the importance of connection—community, family, and helping others. At times, this focus served as an escape from my own feelings and suffering. However, when my sister died, I had nowhere to hide. The magnitude of the loss was so overwhelming that I couldn’t simply throw myself into service to others—I was completely broken.

Through the process of grieving and the hard work required to survive and move forward, I learned invaluable lessons about the human experience. I felt a deep calling to support others navigating their own dark nights of the soul—the pain of losing a loved one. I believe that, after allowing ourselves the time to grieve, process, and care for our wounds, there is an opportunity to transform hardship into something meaningful. We can turn our suffering into a way to help others—paying it forward.

My belief in the power of connection, ingrained on a cellular level, combined with the legacy of my loss, has led me to my purpose: supporting others and walking beside them through the pain of loss—whether from death or from life’s challenges.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a former seasoned psychotherapist turned coach and consultant, working with women across all states and countries who are navigating grief and loss—whether from life’s challenges or the passing of loved ones. I connect with clients both virtually and in person and regularly host virtual book clubs, personal growth programs, and events designed to foster healing and transformation.

With over a decade of experience, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the depths of the human experience—guiding women through the profound weight of grief, the expansive power of love, the tumult of divorce, the intricate dance of parenting, and the complexities of relationships and health. I believe deeply in the importance of connection as a vital part of healing and growth.

My approach draws on expertise in health and wellness, death and dying, women’s issues, caregiving, communication, and relationship dynamics. I aim to offer a holistic, grounded approach to coaching—helping you shed the burdens that weigh you down while remaining rooted in the nourishing stability of the earth.

If you’re seeking support to navigate life’s most profound challenges with compassion, insight, and resilience, my work may be a meaningful resource for your journey.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge in my journey have been:

1. Empathy and Compassion: My ability to genuinely understand and connect with others’ experiences has been fundamental. Empathy allows me to create a safe space for healing and growth, whether I’m working with clients or navigating my own challenges.

2. Holistic Understanding of Human Experience: Drawing from my background in psychotherapy and coaching, I’ve developed a comprehensive perspective on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This integrated approach has enabled me to support others more effectively and to see the interconnectedness of their struggles and strengths.

3. Resilience and Growth Mindset: My personal experiences with grief, loss, and transformation have cultivated resilience and an openness to growth. These qualities have empowered me to face challenges head-on, learn from them, and ultimately use those lessons to serve others in their journeys.

These qualities continue to shape and deepen my work, inspiring me to guide others through their own paths of healing and self-discovery.

Advice I have for folks early in their journey would be to practice self-compassion and stay patient. Cultivate mindfulness through reflection or meditation to deepen self-awareness. Seek supportive resources like books, mentors, or communities to guide you. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, remembering that development is a gradual process. Every small step helps strengthen empathy, resilience, and understanding.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am very open to partnering and collaborating with other healers and practitioners who share my passion for fostering connection and promoting healing. I believe that working together amplifies our impact and creates a deeper, more supportive experience for those we serve.

Additionally, I enjoy collaborating with CEOs, founders, and executives who want to deepen their empathy and understanding of loss, grief, and human connection. I believe that fostering these qualities within leadership can significantly enhance workplace culture and support employee well-being.

If you feel aligned with this vision and are interested in exploring collaboration opportunities, I’d love to connect! You can reach me through my email at contact@clairewinik.com, and we can discuss how to work together to support growth, healing, and connection on both individual and organizational levels.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clairewinik.com
• Instagram: @groundedingrief
• Linkedin: Claire Winik