Exploring Life & Business with Laura Walton of Laura Walton LMFT / Grief On Purpose

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Walton.

Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I came to my work because of my own grief. When I was going through the heaviest parts of it, I didn’t find the kind of support I needed. Most of what was out there either tried to fix me or hurry me along, and I knew there had to be a better way. That’s what first pushed me toward becoming a therapist. I wanted to offer the kind of space I wish I’d had, one where grief wasn’t treated like a problem.

My therapy work eventually grew out of the therapy office into a larger platform called Grief On Purpose. What started as just me trying to support grievers has turned into journals, courses, a Substack community, and the Grief On Purpose podcast. The podcast lets me sit down with people and talk openly about death, grief, what helps, and what doesn’t, without sugarcoating. I also co-host the Transitional Objects podcast with my best friend. That one’s more of a space for us to talk about trauma, spirituality, therapy, and all kinds of things people usually avoid, but that we believe are exactly what need to be said out loud.

Along the way, I’ve also recognized my own neurodiversity, which has made me realize how often traditional mental health approaches don’t actually work for me, and for a lot of people. That awareness has shifted how I practice. These days, my therapy work is just as much about spirituality, identity, and neurodivergence as it is about grief and trauma. It’s all connected. For me, the throughline has always been the same: creating spaces where people don’t have to hide, minimize, or “fix” their very real, very human experiences.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been smooth at all – and honestly, I wouldn’t expect it to be. Part of what I’ve learned along the way is that doing this work both personally and professionally means sitting with discomfort, uncertainty, and failure. Early on, I struggled with feeling like I wasn’t “doing it right,” like my approach to grief wasn’t traditional enough, or that people wouldn’t get it. Launching Grief On Purpose brought its own challenges too – learning how to build a community, create content, and make a living while staying true to what felt authentic wasn’t easy.

On top of that, recognizing my own neurodiversity was both a relief and a challenge. It helped me understand why some traditional mental health approaches hadn’t worked for me, but it also meant I had to re-think how I do therapy, how I structure my work, and how I show up in the world.

Through all of it, the struggles have been as instructive as the successes. They’ve shaped my approach to therapy, my podcasts, and my community, and they remind me that the messy, hard parts of life are where the real learning and growth happen.

As you know, we’re big fans of Laura Walton LMFT / Grief On Purpose. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Grief On Purpose started from a simple but important idea: grief deserves space, language, and community, and not quick fixes or judgment. It’s a platform for people to sit with grief in ways that feel authentic to them. We offer self-led courses, journals, digital care kits, and a community where people can connect with others who truly get it.

I also produce two podcasts. The Grief On Purpose podcast dives into grief and death, normalizing conversations most people avoid but desperately need. Transitional Objects, which I co-host with my best friend, explores trauma, spirituality, identity, and all the messy or taboo parts of life. Both shows are about creating spaces where it’s safe to talk about the things we often don’t.

What sets Grief On Purpose apart is that we don’t treat grief like something to “fix.” Everything we do is informed by lived experience, psychology, and creativity. I’m proud that it has grown into more than a business – it’s a community, a conversation, and a resource hub for people navigating grief in real, grounded ways.

Separately, my therapy practice focuses on working one-on-one with clients to explore grief, trauma, spirituality, and identity, including supporting folks who discover they’re autistic later in life. My approach is deeply human and individualized, blending traditional therapeutic tools with mindfulness, somatics, and an understanding of neurodiversity. The practice is about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where no one has to “fix” themselves.

What are your plans for the future?
Honestly, I’m trying not to have “plans” in the way I used to. I used to map everything out – big goals, next steps, deadlines – but these days I’m learning to take it more day by day. That doesn’t mean I’m not excited about the future; I am. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow Grief On Purpose, exploring new ways to connect with people through the podcasts, courses, and community.

At the same time, I’m leaning into my therapy practice in new ways, integrating spirituality, neurodiversity, and grief in ways that feel more expansive and real. The biggest change I’m looking forward to is actually just practicing presence – seeing what emerges when I stop trying to control it all. I feel like some of the most meaningful opportunities show up when I stay open, curious, and patient with the day-to-day unfolding of things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.griefonpurpose.com & https://laurawaltonlmft.clientsecure.me
• Instagram: @grief.on.purpose

Image Credits
Eunice Beck