Grief is the natural response to loss in our lives.
Grieving is the process of fully experiencing the emotions evoked by the loss, reacting to and accepting the truth of it, and coming to terms with life after the loss.
Losing someone or something you love is very painful. If you are experiencing grief and loss, know that you’re not alone: Grief and loss are normal life transitions for everyone and encompass more than just the loss of family member, friend or pet. It can also be the loss of a relationship, job, a friendship, our health, home or youth. Whatever the cause, everyone encounters the stress and anxiety of loss at some point in time.
Grief Counseling
After a significant loss, you may experience all kinds of difficult and surprising emotions, such as shock, anger, and guilt. Sometimes it may feel like the sadness will never let up. While these feelings can be frightening and overwhelming, they are normal reactions to loss. Accepting them as part of the grieving process, and allowing yourself to feel what you feel is necessary for healing.
Even though these symptoms are normal, it does not mean you have to cope with the grieving or bereavement process alone. Reaching out for help is a good idea when you’re recovering from loss. When the symptoms are intense or long-lasting, or they’re impacting your functioning at home, socially or on the job, seeking therapy make sense.
Perhaps you’ve heard that everyone processes grief differently, and that is true. There is no right or wrong way to grieve — but there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. Grief that is expressed and experienced has a potential for healing that eventually can strengthen and enrich life. Processing your loss in psychotherapy means that you are not alone with your pain. I will be your witness, sounding board and support through the grief recovery process.