Grief and Bereavement
“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touches some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you’re there.”
Grief is an emotional experience triggered by loss, such as death, or significant life transitions like the end of a relationship, job loss, retirement, or changes in identity. While sadness is often a part of grief, it can also manifest in feelings of anger, numbness, guilt, relief, or even moments of joy. Everyone grieves differently, and there is no "right" way to go through it.
The emotional intensity of grief can feel overwhelming, with persistent thoughts about the loss and deep sorrow. It can also show up physically, affecting appetite, causing fatigue, nausea, headaches, or even illness. When the loss is sudden, traumatic, or unresolved, these feelings can be even more complex. Societal pressures to “move on” can intensify the experience, leaving individuals feeling isolated in their grief.
Healing from grief is not about forgetting, but learning how to carry the loss in a way that feels meaningful. Grief does not follow a set timeline, and it can resurface unexpectedly, even years later. Therapy can help provide support, offering a compassionate space to explore emotions, develop coping strategies, and find ways to adjust to life after loss.
In therapy, my role is to create a supportive space where you can freely express your grief without judgment. We’ll work together to explore the emotions that come with loss, allowing you to honor your feelings as part of the healing process. I’m here to support you in understanding and processing your grief in a way that aligns with your experience.
We may explore your grief through the lens of your personal story, helping you understand how the loss fits into your life. This approach can provide a new perspective, allowing you to make sense of your experience.
If difficult emotions like guilt or anger arise, I will help you understand and challenge these feelings, shifting patterns so they feel more manageable. We’ll explore what matters most to you, clarifying your values and beliefs, and reflect on how the loss has affected your sense of self and direction.
Throughout, I encourage self-compassion. Grief often brings self-judgment or guilt, and learning to treat yourself with care is essential for healing. Together, we will work toward finding peace with your grief, and ultimately, a way to carry the loss that feels right for you. You don’t have to face this journey alone.
