Dr. Lora R. Ward, PhD, LPC, LPN

Grief & Loss Specialist | Educator | Companion in Healing

Grief changes everything. Whether it comes suddenly or after a long goodbye, the world feels different—and it can be hard to know where to go from here. Dr. Lora understands this not only as a grief counselor, but as someone who experienced deep loss herself at a young age. That personal journey is what first drew her into this work, and it continues to shape the heart she brings to every session.

Lora holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Siena Heights University and earned her doctorate from North Carolina Christian College. She began her career at Hospice of Hillsdale County, where she supported individuals and families navigating the emotional waves of grief and loss for over 14 years. She has since become a trusted presence in schools and community organizations, helping both children and adults process trauma, honor loss, and rebuild meaning.

Lora offers a unique, educational approach to healing. Her sessions are not just about talking through your pain—they’re also about understanding it. Drawing on the "Ten Touchstones of Grief" developed by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, she gently guides clients through a structured exploration of grief, helping them name and normalize what they’re feeling. Many of her clients describe work with her as: a safe place to learn, grow, and begin to carry their grief in a new way.

Lora believes that even in the most painful losses, there are stories worth honoring and lessons worth uncovering. Whether you are mourning a loved one, coping with a miscarriage or stillbirth, processing the loss of a pet, or grieving the absence of a parent, partner, child, or colleague, she is here to help you hold onto the love without being overwhelmed by the pain.

In every session, Lora leads with warmth, respect, and deep compassion. Her goal is not to “fix” your grief—but to walk beside you as you learn how to live with it, find purpose again, and allow healing to unfold at your own pace.

Areas of Focus:

• Bereavement related to COVID-19, miscarriage, stillbirth, pet loss, and adoption/guardian separation

• Loss without closure (e.g., being unable to be present at death)

• Grief from trauma: abandonment, sexual abuse, complicated loss

• Veterans’ grief and life transitions

• Loss of a spouse, partner, parent, or child

• Depression, anxiety, and grief-related emotional concerns

• Grief education and long-term grief management groups