Grief Counseling
Grief has a way of permeating every aspect of our being, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in profound ways.
Do you feel like you have a weight on your chest, a heaviness that seems to linger even in moments of supposed calm?
Maybe you find yourself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, from overwhelming sadness to moments of anger, relief, or confusion.
It's possible that you've noticed changes in your sleep patterns or appetite, struggling to find rest or appetite for nourishment amidst the turmoil within.
Does it seem like even the simplest of tasks feel like impossible challenges, as you navigate each day with a sense of weariness and exhaustion?
Are you experiencing a sense of disconnection from the world, as if you're moving through life in a haze, or unable to fully engage with those around you?
Perhaps you find yourself longing for the presence of the one who's no longer there, their absence a palpable ache in your heart, even when you temporarily forget you can no longer turn to them or ask them a question.
If any of this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. As you navigate this terrain, it's okay to seek support and guidance along the way. You deserve compassion, understanding, and a safe space to honor your journey through grief.
When we lose someone or something we care about, it’s normal to feel unexpected and complex emotions.
Grief is a natural response to loss, encompassing a range of emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations as we come to terms with the reality of what has been taken from us. It serves as a pathway for us to process the profound changes that occur when someone or something we care deeply about is no longer a part of our lives. While it can feel overwhelming and disorienting, grief also carries with it the potential for growth and transformation, guiding us towards a place of acceptance, resilience, and meaning.
Unlike other emotions such as sadness or loneliness, grief is a complex and multifaceted experience that often unfolds over time, with its own unique rhythm and intensity. While sadness may come and go in response to specific triggers, grief permeates our lives in a more pervasive way, impacting our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships on a deeper level. It's important to recognize that grief is not something to be overcome or pushed aside, but rather embraced as a natural and necessary part of the healing process.
This process may not come naturally for you, or maybe you are not handling it all as well as you had expected to. Finding support for yourself in a nonjudgmental space can help ease that weight a bit and remind you that you don’t have to do this alone. Working with a grief counselor with whom you feel comfortable can make a difference in how you are managing not only the grief process, but also the many tasks and responsibilities that continue to need your attention while you are grieving.
Grief Therapy with Christi at Sheltering Tree Counseling
Reaching out for support for your grief can be a daunting process, but once you find someone that feels like a good fit for you, it can feel like a burden already begins to lift. Having a space to work through your thoughts and process your emotions can feel grounding and help you to navigate the overwhelming tasks you have in your daily life - knowing that you have a space to go when you need support.
What to Expect and What Approaches I Use
In our sessions, your experiences, emotions, and goals will always be at the forefront of our work together. I'll provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your grief journey at your own pace, offering empathy, validation, and support every step of the way. Together, we'll collaborate to identify your strengths, resources, and coping mechanisms, empowering you to navigate through grief with resilience and self-compassion.
We’ll explore your emotions, with curiosity and without judgment, and help you understand what those particular emotions are trying to convey or how it can feel to allow yourself to feel - even when you don’t understand them.
We'll focus on your inherent abilities that are helping you with resilience as key tools for your healing. Rather than solely focusing on your challenges or deficits, we'll shine a spotlight on your unique capacities to help you cultivate a sense of empowerment and agency in your grief journey. By recognizing and building upon your strengths, we'll work towards fostering a greater sense of hope, purpose, and meaning amidst the pain of loss.
We can also work on some practical coping skills for navigating those tasks and decisions that may feel impossible in the midst of your grief - skills for problem solving or decision making, when your brain feels like unpredictable mush. We can work together to break down your tasks and responsibilities into whatever smaller steps feel possible for your day.
We may also integrate some simple and accessible mindfulness techniques into our sessions, helping you develop a present moment awareness and acceptance of your grief experience. Mindfulness can offer valuable tools for navigating the intense emotions and thoughts that arise during grief, which can help you have greater resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. Through mindfulness practices such as finding your inner “observer self,” deep breathing, body scanning, or gentle movement, you can learn to approach your grief with curiosity, compassion, and non-judgment, ultimately finding moments of peace and solace amidst the storm.
Maybe you’re still not sure if grief counseling is for you.
Although it sounds helpful to have some support for yourself right now, you still have some doubts. It’s normal to have questions! Here are some common concerns about finding support with a grief therapist.
Will the therapist understand what I'm going through and be able to help me navigate my grief?
I deeply understand the complexities of grief and its profound impact on individuals. I have extensive experience working with clients who are experiencing various forms of loss, and I approach each client's journey with empathy, compassion, and expertise. Together, we will create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your emotions, process your grief, and discover the resilience within you.
What if I don't have the time or resources to commit to regular counseling sessions?
I understand that navigating grief can be challenging, especially when balancing other responsibilities and commitments. That's why I offer flexible scheduling options, including evening appointments, to accommodate your busy schedule. Additionally, online counseling sessions provide convenience and accessibility, allowing you to engage in therapy from the comfort of your own home or office. Together, we can explore how to make counseling work within your time and resource constraints, ensuring that you receive the support you need to navigate your grief journey.
Will counseling really make a difference in my grief process?
Counseling can be an invaluable resource in navigating the complexities of grief and finding healing and meaning amidst loss. Through compassionate support, evidence-based techniques, and a collaborative therapeutic relationship, counseling offers a safe and nurturing space for you to explore your emotions, develop coping strategies, and cultivate resilience. While the grief journey is deeply personal and unique to each individual, counseling can provide you with the tools, insights, and support needed to navigate this tender terrain with greater clarity, strength, and hope.
What if I'm not ready to talk about my grief or don't know where to begin?
It's completely normal to feel hesitant or unsure about discussing your grief, especially if it's a recent or deeply painful loss. As your therapist, I will meet you where you are in your grief journey, without judgment or pressure. We can start by simply exploring your thoughts and feelings, or engaging in therapeutic activities and techniques that feel comfortable for you. My goal is to support you in a way that feels authentic and empowering, guiding you towards healing at a pace that feels right for you. Remember, you're not alone, and it's okay to take the first step towards support when you're ready.
You can survive this grief and the heavy weight of your loss, and you will feel able to function again - without losing your connection to what was important to you.
I welcome you to schedule free 20-minute phone consultation, to get a sense of how I can support you. Reach out to me today if you’d like more information about grief therapy - I am happy to answer your questions.