Are You Struggling with the Loss of a Loved One?
- Do you feel an overwhelming emptiness and hollow inside?
- Does it seem like the world is moving on, but you can’t find a way to carry on without that special person?
- Are you finding it difficult to cope with the end of a significant relationship, job loss, or the death of a pet?
If any of these questions resonate with you, know that you are not alone. Grief and bereavement are natural responses to loss, and our certified therapists are here to help you navigate through these challenging times.
What is Loss, Grief & Bereavement?
Grief is a profound emotional response to loss. It encompasses a range of feelings from deep sadness to anger, and it can affect every part of your life.
Bereavement refers specifically to the period of mourning and adjustment following a death. The process of adapting to a loss varies widely based on individual backgrounds, beliefs, and relationships.
Common Reasons for Grieving
Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. People may experience grief for various reasons, including:
- The end of a significant relationship
- Loss of a job or career
- Death of a pet
- Diagnosis of a disabling injury or disease
- Major life transitions (e.g., moving, retirement)
- Loss of a cherished dream or goal
Grief manifests differently for everyone, but common symptoms include:
Physical Symptoms
- Crying and sighing
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Chest Pain
Emotional Symptoms
- Intense sadness and crying
- Feelings of yearning
- Anger or irritability
- Guilt or regret
- Anxiety or fearfulness
- Feelings of frustration
Social Symptoms
- Feeling detached from others
- Self-isolation from social contact
- Behaving in ways that are not normal for you
- Withdrawal from social activities
Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
How Therapy Can Help
Grief therapy offers a compassionate space to process your emotions, find solace in shared experiences, and discover resilience in the face of profound loss. Our therapists will listen to you, support you, and care for you as you begin to move forward through bereavement.
Understanding Grief
Grieving is a deeply personal experience, varying widely from person to person. Understanding the types of grieving, such as anticipatory and complicated grief, and the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—can help individuals navigate their emotions during this challenging time. People may also grieve intuitively, through emotional expression, or instrumentally, through problem-solving and control.
Types of Grieving
- Anticipatory Grief: Grieving before the loss actually happens, often experienced when a loved one is terminally ill.
- Complicated Grief: Prolonged and intense grief that interferes with daily life, often requiring professional intervention.
The Five Stages of Grief
- Denial: Refusing to accept the reality of the loss.
- Anger: Feeling angry about the loss and its unfairness.
- Bargaining: Making deals or promises in hopes of reversing the loss.
- Depression: Deep sadness and despair over the loss.
- Acceptance: Coming to terms with the loss and finding a way to move forward.
Two Poles of Grievers:
Intuitive Grievers (Feelings):
- Emotionally driven; openly express grief (crying, lamenting).
- Need emotional expression to cope; may struggle with daily life.
- Experience confusion, inability to concentrate, emotional exhaustion, panic, and anxiety.
- May appear disorganized or lost to others.
Instrumental Grievers (Thinking):
- Thought-driven; reluctant to discuss emotions.
- Use problem-solving to cope; make decisions to stay in control.
- Can seem distant or detached; avoid exposing feelings.
- Experience cognitive dysfunction, confusion, forgetfulness, and fluctuating energy levels.
All healthy methods of grieving are valid, and our therapists are here to support you. Every grieving experience is different. A person may be able to continue their day-to-day routine after one loss, yet not be able to get out of bed after the loss of someone else. Whatever your personal symptoms are, grief and bereavement counseling have been proven to help.
Treatment Options & Support
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions tailored to your unique experiences and needs.
- Group Therapy: Connect with others who are going through similar experiences and find communal support.
- Family Therapy: Help your family navigate and cope with the shared experience of loss.
- Crisis Counseling: Immediate support in the aftermath of a traumatic loss.
- Workshops and Seminars: Educational and therapeutic workshops designed to provide tools and strategies for managing grief.
Therapy can provide the essential support and guidance needed to cope with grief, validate all healthy grieving methods, and help individuals find a path to healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief and bereavement, we are here to offer you support and care you need during this difficult time.