Therapy for Grief

Grief is a term used to describe the painful feelings that often accompany a loss. Although we typically associate grief with the loss of a loved one, it can occur after many types of loss such as the death of a pet, a divorce, or moving from a family home. The folk wisdom that there is no “right” way to grieve certainly holds true. Grief looks very different from person to person, and there is no correct timetable, or appropriate feelings, that go along with it. In fact, the belief that there is a correct way to grieve can complicate the grieving process for people who find themselves judging their response to a loss because it didn’t fit with their expectations. 

For some, the experience of grief is something short-term. Although this doesn’t mean that somebody is “over” the loss, the intensity of the emotions may come in waves or feel less acute, allowing the person to engage in their day to day activities. However, occasionally grief may become prolonged and all-consuming, lasting for several months or years. When this occurs, it is referred to as complicated grief. 

It is extremely difficult to know how to help yourself feel better at a time when you likely feel particularly vulnerable and alone. If you find yourself unsure of how to move forward and in need of support following a loss, therapy may be helpful for you. A therapist can help you to better understand your unique experience of grief, process the meaning of your loss, and ultimately help you feel more in control of how to move forward. It is important to know that some degree of pain and sadness is an inevitable part of experiencing grief. While your therapist cannot remove that pain, they can help you move through your grieving process in a way that allows you to honor and experience your grief while adapting to the changed circumstances following your loss. 

Click here for a consultation if you are interested in processing your grief with a therapist.