Grief & Bereavement Counselling
Bereavement and grief aren’t light-hearted topics. Bereavement refers to the process of recovering from the death of a loved one, and grief is a reaction for any form of loss. Both encompass a wide range of emotions such as fear, anger and deep, deep sadness.
The process of adapting to a loss can dramatically change from person to person, depending on his or her background, beliefs, relationship to the person who’s passed, and other factors.
Common symptoms of grief can be physical, emotional or social.
A few common symptoms in these categories are:
Physical
- Crying and sighing
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Emotional
- Feelings of sadness and yearning
- Feelings of worry or anger
- Feelings of frustration or guilt
Social
- Feeling detached from others
- Self-isolation from social contact
- Behaving in ways that are not normal for you
Here are ways in which counselling can help with the grieving process:
Validation of Feelings: Grief is a complex and individual experience. I will provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express and explore your feelings without feeling invalidated or rushed. Having your emotions acknowledged and validated is an essential part of the healing process.
Understanding the Grief Process: My role is to educate you about the normal stages and fluctuations of grief. Understanding that grief is a unique journey and that everyone experiences it differently can help normalize your feelings and provide a sense of perspective.
Coping Strategies: Grief can be overwhelming, and finding healthy coping strategies is crucial. Counselling can help you identify and develop coping mechanisms that work for you, whether it's through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, journaling, or other therapeutic approaches.
Exploration of Loss and Meaning: In counselling, you have the opportunity to explore the nature of your loss and its impact on your life. This process can help you find meaning in your experience, reconcile any unfinished business, and make sense of the emotions you are facing.
Expression of Grief: Grieving often involves expressing emotions associated with the loss. Counselling provide a supportive environment for you to express your grief, whether through talking, writing, art, or other forms of creative expression.
Building a Support System: Grieving can be isolating, and counseling can help you build or strengthen your support system. Counselling may assist you in identifying friends, family, or community resources that can provide additional support during this difficult time.
Setting Realistic Expectations: Grieving is a process that takes time, and everyone moves through it at their own pace. Counselling can help you set realistic expectations for your grief journey, allowing you to be patient with yourself and acknowledge that healing is a gradual process.
Addressing Complicated Grief: In some cases, grief may become complicated by factors such as trauma, guilt, or unresolved issues. I am trained to identify and address these complexities, providing specialized support for individuals dealing with more challenging grief experiences.
Redefining Identity and Roles: Losing a loved one can prompt a reevaluation of one's identity and roles in life. Counselling can help you navigate these changes, assisting in the process of redefining your sense of self and purpose.
Honoring the Memory: Counselling can provide a space for you to honor and remember your loved one. This may involve creating rituals, finding ways to commemorate their life, or continuing bonds in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Remember that seeking professional help is a positive step towards healing and that there is no fixed timeline for the grieving process.
Every grieving experience is different. A person may be able to continue their day-to-day routine after one loss, yet not be able to get out of bed after the loss of someone else. Whatever your personal symptoms are, grief and bereavement counselling have been proven to help.
If you are experiencing grief-related thoughts, behaviours, or feelings that are distressing, please reach out to discuss your needs.