Grief & Loss Counseling

Sadly, each of us will all experience grief and loss in our lifetimes.  Grief brings with it a wide range of hard emotions including confusion, fear, anger, and deep, deep sadness.  

The process of adapting to a loss differs from person to person, depending on their background, beliefs, relationship to the person who’s passed, and other factors.   

Professional grief therapy and support can be valuable.

If you are finding it difficult to feel better, and particularly if you've had any of the following grief experiences -- therapy can be a bridge back.  I have experience and training in the following areas of grief/loss.

Suicide Loss Survivor 

The grief following the loss of a loved one from suicide can bring uniquely painful challenges - including guilt, stigma, and unanswered questions.  Therapy can be extremely helpful in moving through these complicated emotions.

Prolonged / Complicated Grief  

Extended and intense grieving that persists well beyond typical bereavement timelines and significantly impairs daily functioning, may be Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). One type of therapy that has shown good results here is Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy (MCGT) through Columbia University/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital.

Loss without Closure 

Grief that arises when someone or something is gone in ways that are unclear, unresolved, or ongoing. Often experienced in estranged relationships, unexpected or sudden life transitions or job loss.

Invisible Grief 

A quiet, often unspoken sorrow that doesn’t fit traditional definitions of loss. May include lost dreams (career, marital, fertility) or even age/identity shifts.  Sometimes you may have a the feeling that speaking about your loss is uncomfortable or unacceptable (for instance, loss of a beloved pet.)

Common symptoms of grief can be physical, emotional, or social.

Physical

• Crying & sighing 
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weakness
• Fatigue

Emotional

• Feelings of sadness and yearning
• Feelings of worry or anger
• Feelings of frustration or guilt

Social

• Feeling detached from others
• Self-isolation from social contact
• Behaving in ways that are not normal for 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.  

If you, or someone you love, are experiencing grief-related symptoms, behaviors, or feelings that are distressing, please contact me today for a free 15-minute phone consultation.  I look forward to talking with you.