Grief Counselling and Therapy
Grief and Loss
Dealing with loss is an inevitable, though often difficult, part of the human experience. At some point in our lives, we will likely lose someone close to us, as is the case when an important relationship ends or when someone close to us dies. Contrary to popular belief, grief is not always something that gets better with the simple passage of time. Grief can be very complex and the process is not always linear. The meaning of a relationship can involve multiple levels of significance that can play a large role in the impact of this loss and a person’s ability to cope. For example, a loss may involve a life companion, an emotional support, a person who challenged us to grow, and so on. The significance of these relationships will also be influenced in part by our own history and personal experiences as well as whether the loss was expected/anticipated or sudden. If we lose someone to death, we not only have to cope with the relational loss, but also the reminder of our own mortality (and that of others close to us) and the reactions and feelings that go along with it. It is also important to note that in addition to grieving for the loss of what was, we may also grieve what could have been, or for a future that can no longer be realized. For example, someone may not have had an opportunity to say goodbye, to learn more about a person, or to see their relationship or life grow together in the way they had hoped.
Therapy for Grief and Loss
Dealing with grief and loss is a natural and inevitable part of life. Still, many of us can get lost in the grieving process. I work with clients and their unique situations to find a path for navigating through grief in a healthy way and to overcome challenges that may leave people emotionally stuck.