Have you recently lost a loved one or a significant relationship?
- Are you having difficulty adjusting to the loss of a dream?
- Do you find yourself still trying to deal with the loss while it seems like everyone else has moved on?
- Does the pain from a loss that happened many years ago seem like “fresh” pain?
- Are you overwhelmed by grief?
Life in the best of circumstances can be difficult. When you are dealing with loss, it can be all consuming. You may feel as if you are in a fog. There can be great uncertainty about the future. The heartache can feel unbearable, and you may wonder if it will ever end.
Living with grief and loss has become your unwelcome new normal
Perhaps you have lost your partner. You wake up and reach for them next to you only to remember they are gone. This isn’t some bad nightmare. This is your new reality. The coffee that used to be started for you, the good mornings, and smell of pancakes on the griddle are no longer present. That sinking alone feeling is there again.
You think, “I have to do this all by myself and all for myself. It’s entirely up to me to organize my day.” There is no one to run over the list of demands and appointments to keep. Work may keep you busy and distracted.
However, when nighttime sets in, the loneliness returns. There is no one to share a cup of tea and run down the events of the day or share a laugh while watching your favorite show. You are left with the realization that it feels like Groundhog Day, and you must get yourself to sleep only to start this all over again tomorrow.
A grief counselor can be especially useful to help you navigate the murkiness of loss as you form a new identity, roles, and a routine.
Have any questions? Send me a message!
Grief is a normal part of being human
It is love with no place to go. Loss in this life is inevitable and our grief needs to be witnessed. Shared grief makes the burden so much lighter. However, our society tries to rush through the grieving process and hurry up and return to work or school.
It can be especially difficult after the memorials are over and everyone is back to their busy lives. It can feel like you are the downer in the group and no one knows what to say. Your grief becomes an inconvenience, especially if your relationship was complicated.
Grief comes in many forms
It can be the loss of a relationship, a death, the loss of a beloved pet, the loss of a dream or job, or a childhood you longed for and never received. The grieving process is different for every person, and there is no right or wrong way to proceed. There is no timeline for grief.
Grief is any change you did not want
We live in a grief illiterate world so it can be difficult to get the support you need. Humans don’t like what they can’t control and we can’t control loss or death. We want explanations. Often, there are none. This may lead you to a sense of guilt. What else could I have done? Surely, I could have done more. You loved with your whole heart and that is enough.
Grief therapy for your personal loss journey
Our basic human need is to be seen, known, and understood. Grief therapy provides this and gives a chance to slow down and not be embarrassed when the tears flow. I provide a warm, safe, compassionate therapeutic environment.
We proceed at your own pace. I listen deeply, validate your feelings and experience, and provide a container for them.
The stages of grief
There are generally accepted stages of grieving, which are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and finding meaning. It is helpful to understand the stages and know that they often are cyclical and do not happen in order. My clients are often amazed that we are revisiting a previous stage. Grieving takes time.
Sometimes grief can be complicated and we get stuck in the various phases of grieving. The grieving process is difficult in and of itself but if the relationship with the person whom we have lost was tumultuous, there is apt to be guilt that may need to be processed through therapy.
What to expect in grief counseling
My hope is that you will leave each session a bit lighter after pouring your heart out. The week between will not feel as heavy. You won’t feel guilty for life continuing on. You can put aside your shame in not having life be normal again. Life is never normal again after loss. It needs be recreated in ways that give your life meaning and purpose.
My hope is for you to learn to be gentle with yourself. Slow down, be caring, be nurturing. There is no timeline for grief. No one gets a gold badge for rushing through the experience. Let go of the guilt and shame you may be feeling. It’s time to put down the what ifs. We cannot control loss. Rest in knowing you did all you could. And your loved one would want to know that you are safe and secure.
My lessons in grief
I’ve worked extensively with children, teens, adults, and families who are dealing with grief for over 25 years. I have also been trained by two of the experts in the field of grief and loss, William Worden and David Kessler. I’ve been no stranger to grief my entire life. I was given a sensitive soul which anticipates change, loss, and can wallow in the what could have beens. I am well versed in loss.
I lost a friend to Leukemia when I was seven which acquainted me early to death, grief, and loss. Dealing with my father’s unresolved grief when his mother died had a profound effect on me. Other than his sobs the morning of her death, my family did not address the grief. Nor was there anyone to help me with my own. It stuck with me and made me very sensitive to other changes in my life that I did not want. I have dedicated my life to help others unburden themselves and give words to their sorrow.
I am also a Certified Grief Educator
A Certified Grief Educator is committed to providing the highest level of grief support through education, experience, and insights into the often unacknowledged rocky terrain of grief.
Certified Grief Educators completed a certificate program designed by world-renowned grief expert, David Kessler. They bring his unique methodology, tools, and decades of experience to help people navigate the challenges of grief.
But you may still have questions about Grief Therapy...
You can thrive again after loss
If grief and loss are impacting your daily life, it may be time to start your healing journey in grief therapy.
If you find yourself unable to manage and you need someone to share the pain, I am here to help.
Contact me to schedule a free, 15 minute consultation and find out more about services offered.
