Grief and Loss
They’re an inevitable part of being human.
Grief is a normal process following the loss of someone or something important to us.
We most readily associate grief with the death of a loved one.
Grief can also follow many other types of losses, like a relationship break-up, death of a pet, infertility, miscarriage, career changes, moving, a loved one’s serious illness or dementia, or loss of a home or belongings.
These types of losses can be tough to grieve because others rarely understand. When others don’t understand, it makes it harder to mourn the loss. You feel more alone. You start to question whether your grief is warranted. You don’t want to be perceived as over-reacting or like a burden to others.
The reality, though, is that you are hurting. These are real losses, and to heal, you need to grieve them. Your feelings are not an over-reaction. They are a normal reaction to an incredibly difficult situation.
Some losses feel impossible to bear.
Some losses, like the loss of a loved one, can feel so overwhelming and lonely.
You may be in utter shock and feel numb inside.
You can’t eat, you can’t sleep.
Anger may surface, and despair may send you into a meaningless abyss.
The grief can take a heavy toll…
You feel devastated and heartbroken.
You think you should be able to get over it and move on, but you just can’t.
You feel so alone in all of it and don’t know where to turn.
You want to feel whole again but don’t see the way forward.
It takes courage to grieve.
That’s because there’s no way of going around it… only through it. Going through it means experiencing the vulnerability and raw emotions that are part of the grieving process. It is not easy. But it is the only way to heal completely after a loss.
After a devastating loss, things don’t go back to normal in the same way they were before.
Find a “new normal” – an alternative way of living. You can grow in grief, and over time you can find new meaning and connections in your life. Grief can give way to a more open heart filled with gratitude, and a heightened awareness of our impermanence, calling you to live more fully in the present.
Therapy is a safe place for you to process your loss and heal your heart.
When you experience a devastating loss, it is essential to tend to yourself. Therapy is a way for you to take care of yourself during this tough time.
I can help you learn to be more present and compassionate with yourself through the grieving process. Sometimes existential or philosophical questions arise, which can also be explored in therapy. You may also need to learn fresh ways to cope with your overwhelming emotions on a day-to-day basis.
Healing is possible, and I’m here to help.
I am here to walk with you on your journey toward healing from grief.
It would be my pleasure to talk with you during a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit for each other.
If you are struggling with a loss in your life, it’s time to tend to your grief. Reach out today! (513) 289-1092