Grief
If you’re here, chances are you’re going through something incredibly difficult. Whether you've recently lost someone dear to you, experienced a life-changing event, or are navigating the complexities of traumatic grief. Know that you're not alone. Grief can feel overwhelming and isolating, but it doesn’t have to be something you face by yourself. We’re here to walk with you through the process at your own pace.
IT’s a Unique Experience
Grief is a natural response to loss, but it often feels anything but natural when you’re in the middle of it. It’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, ended a relationship, or gone through a major life change, grief touches every part of your life—emotionally, mentally, and sometimes even physically. No two people experience it in exactly the same way, and that's completely okay.
However you're grieving, it's valid.
It’s not uncommon for people to wonder if what they’re feeling is "normal." In grief, there’s no such thing as normal. Whether you're feeling numb, angry, overwhelmed, or even relieved, your emotions are all part of your personal grief journey. In our work together, We'll help you explore these emotions and support you in processing them in a way that feels right for you.
You’re the driver
Our approach to grief counseling is based on the belief that you are at the center of this process. It's called the person-centered approach, and it’s all about creating a supportive space where you can explore your grief without judgment or pressure. The goal is to help you navigate your feelings, thoughts, and memories in a way that promotes healing.
What does that look like in practice? Here’s what you can expect:
Empathy and Compassion: We’re here to listen and understand without judgment. Your experience is uniquely yours, and we respect that.
Moving at Your Own Pace: Grief isn’t something you can rush through. We'll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Practical Support: If you're feeling overwhelmed, we can offer tools and strategies to help manage difficult emotions and keep you grounded.
creating meaning
While person-centered therapy focuses on giving you the space to process your grief, there are other therapeutic approaches that can offer additional support. One approach that is particularly helpful in grief counseling is Meaning Reconstruction, a method often used in Narrative Therapy. This approach focuses on helping you make sense of your loss by integrating it into the story of your life in a way that allows you to find meaning, purpose, and even growth.
Grief can challenge your identity, your beliefs, and your sense of stability in the world. Meaning Reconstruction helps you work through those challenges by encouraging you to reflect on the impact of your loss, the role your loved one (or situation) played in your life, and how you can rebuild a life that honors what you've lost while allowing you to move forward.
How it’s done:
Exploring Memories: We talk about the person or situation you’ve lost, focusing on both the positive and negative aspects to create a more balanced understanding of their role in your life.
Finding Meaning in the Loss: We explore how this loss affects your sense of self and the world around you, and how you can integrate that experience into your life in a healthy way.
Rebuilding Purpose: Often, grief can feel like it leaves a void. Together, we'll work on rediscovering your sense of purpose and what brings meaning to your life going forward.
Grief is Messy, & That’s Ok
Grief doesn’t follow a predictable path. Some days might feel lighter, while others feel unbearable. This emotional rollercoaster is normal, but it can be frustrating and exhausting. Part of our work together is to give you the space to experience these highs and lows without judgment and to provide you with tools to navigate them.
We’ll also work on ways to stay connected to the present, even when grief feels overwhelming. Techniques like mindfulness and grounding exercises can help you anchor yourself in the moment, making it easier to manage difficult emotions as they arise.
Traumatic Grief
Traumatic grief is a bit more complicated. It can arise when the loss was sudden, violent, or deeply distressing, making it difficult to process. With traumatic grief, you might feel stuck, unable to move past the initial shock or pain, or you might experience flashbacks and intrusive thoughts related to the trauma.
In these cases, we use trauma-informed care to ensure that our work together feels safe and supportive. This means we focus first on establishing emotional safety before diving into the trauma. It’s essential that you feel in control of the pace and the process.
What to Expect:
Safety First: Our sessions will focus on creating a space where you can feel safe to share your story without feeling overwhelmed. If things become too intense, we’ll slow down and use grounding techniques to help you feel more present.
Empowerment: Traumatic grief can make you feel powerless. we’ll work with you to regain a sense of control and agency in your healing process.
Processing the Trauma and Loss: Once you feel safe, we’ll gently work through both the traumatic experience and the grief, recognizing that they are deeply intertwined but need to be handled with care.
Why Reach Out for Grief Counseling?
It can be tough to know when to reach out for help with grief. Many people feel like they “should” be able to handle it on their own. But the truth is, grief can be isolating, and sometimes having someone who understands what you're going through can make a huge difference.
If you're feeling stuck, struggling to process your emotions, or just need someone to listen, grief counseling might be the support you need. Whether you’re dealing with a recent loss, a traumatic event, or a long-standing grief that you haven’t been able to move forward, we’re here to help.