Grief & Loss Counselling

Grief is a normal human response to the loss of someone or something, or even something that could have been. It’s a natural emotional reaction to loss that can come in many forms—from losing a loved one to losing your job, a pet, your independence after a life-changing event, or even a sense of a future you had hoped for. No matter the type of loss, your response is personal and valid.

What Is Grief Like?

Grief usually involves a wide range of intense emotions, including shock, denial, anger, numbness, despair, and sadness. These feelings often come and go in waves, washing over you at unexpected moments. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief tends to be.

Common feelings, thoughts, and behaviors associated with grief can include:

  • Emotional responses: Feeling overwhelmed, sad, angry, lonely, or even a sense of relief, guilt, or shame.
  • Cognitive responses: Experiencing repetitive or intrusive thoughts, blaming yourself or others, or having difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
  • Physical symptoms: Crying, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, headaches, or muscle aches.

It’s important to remember that grief is not a linear process and how you feel will be unique to you. The key is to give yourself the space and time to work through the emotional unpredictability that comes with loss.

When to Seek Grief Counselling

While grief is a normal part of being human, it can become a real struggle that impacts every aspect of your life. Grief counselling involves connecting with a therapist who understands what you are going through. We provide a safe space to talk through your feelings without any judgment or expectation that you should be “further along” or “over” your loss.

It can be difficult to discuss your deepest feelings with friends and family, and keeping those feelings to yourself can prevent you from healing. Our caring and supportive therapists can help you work through these issues in a way that promotes psychological healing.

Understanding Complicated Grief

The death of a loved one is one of the most distressing experiences a person can face. If you lost a loved one under traumatic, sudden, or unexpected circumstances, you may be at risk of experiencing complicated grief.

While complicated grief initially looks like normal grief, the symptoms don’t tend to fade. Instead, they can become worse over time, interfering with your healing. Signs of complicated grief may include:

  • Persistent, intense sorrow and pain.
  • An inability to focus on anything other than the loss.
  • Intense longing for your loved one.
  • Feeling numb, detached, or bitter about your loss.
  • Struggling to accept the death or feeling that life is meaningless.
  • Withdrawing from others.
  • Feelings of guilt or self-blame.

We Can Help

Connecting with a professional who understands your grief can significantly help decrease the emotional pain and distress you are feeling. Our trained and compassionate therapists are here to support you on your journey.

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