Grief and Loss (Bereavement) Counseling
Grief is a normal process of healing after experiencing a loss. Grief is not linear and you may go through cycles of feeling better to not feeling good at all. In time these cycles become less frequent and less intense.
Types of Loss may include:
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- Death of a loved one or colleague
- Death of a pet
- Serious illness of a loved one
- Illness or poor health
- Break up
- Divorce
- Loss of a friendship
- Leaving home or moving
- Change of a job
- Graduation
- Loss of physical or mental ability
- Loss of financial security
An Unexpected Versus Expected Loss
Depending on the type of loss (expected or unexpected), one may experience a more or less intense grief response. An unexpected loss does not allow the individual to prepare for the loss. It may challenge ones sense of security, confidence, and views about life. Emotions of an unexpected loss are more intense and may last longer than an expected loss. An expected loss (i.e., family member with a terminal illness) allows time for the individual to grieve prior to them passing. Therefore the emotions are lower in intensity and shorter in duration after experiencing the loss compared to an unexpected loss.
How Long Does Normal Grieving Last?
There is no normal length of time for the grieving process. Grieving is different for everyone and can vary given the type of loss.
When Does Grief Become Abnormal?
Normal grieving can feel like a sad mood or depressed, trouble concentrating, feelingirritable or angry, feeling frustrated or misunderstood, feel anxious, nervous, or fearful, feelings of wanting to escape, feelings of guilt or remorse, feel ambivalent, feel numb, have a loss of energy and motivation, crying more frequently, or a want to isolate. Grief becomes abnormal when the individual is having trouble coping with their emotions, having suicidal or self-harm thoughts, the grief is causing impairment in their life, or they meet criteria for a clinical depressive disorder. This is called Complicated Grief.
For more signs of Complicated Grief go to:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/complicated-grief/symptoms-causes/syc-20360374
Treatment for Grief
Bereavement therapy explores the varying emotions of grief and helps build ones coping skills and social support. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help in changing negative thoughts about oneself, others, and the world. Existential therapyexplores our grief reactions and emotions, and how to find new meaning after a loss. Medications may be added to treatment to reduce symptoms of depression.
Our clinicians are trained and have experience in providing these evidence-based treatments.
Contact our office at (847) 461-8414