Grief Counseling

Grief and Loss

Grief is the emotional response to the experience of loss. It may be the loss of a loved one due to death or divorce, but it can also stem from losing a job, a pet, financial stability, or a sense of safety after trauma. Feelings of grief can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know how to cope and move forward. Patience with yourself and others is needed, as grief is a natural part of a slow healing process. If you are struggling to cope on your own or know someone who may need extra support, a therapist can help.

There is no orderly process of moving through stages such as anger, denial, and acceptance. Everyone experiences loss differently, influenced by their personality, culture, beliefs, and many other factors.

Common Symptoms of Grief

• Shock and disbelief: Feeling numb, struggling to accept the loss, denying it, or expecting to see the person again.
  Sadness: Crying, experiencing feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or loneliness.
• Guilt: Regret over things left unsaid or undone, feeling responsible for the loss, or even experiencing shame for feeling relieved.
• Anger: Blaming someone for the loss or feeling resentment over the situation.
• Fear: Feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and insecurity, or experiencing panic attacks. 
• Physical symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, weight loss or gain, aches and pains, and insomnia. 

Coping with Grief and Loss
Knowing that you are not alone can be helpful. Support from friends, family, or a bereavement group can make the grieving process more manageable. Sharing your loss can provide comfort and ease the burden.

When grief feels overwhelming, shifting your focus to self-care is essential—making an effort to eat, sleep, and stay active, even when exhaustion makes it difficult. Seeking help from a professional therapist can provide guidance in realizing that perhaps our unique loss is also wrapped around blind spots we could not notice before.