Grief and Loss

Throughout the course of our lives, we all may experience a loss at some point. In fact, statistics show that 1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them before 18 years of age. Feelings of grief and loss are not always associated with death, however, but commonly surface after a loss of some kind – whether it is the loss of a loved one, a severed relationship, a job or sudden life change.

When a person loses something or someone valuable to them, feelings of grief can be overbearing. Grief can leave a person feeling sad, hopeless, isolated, irritable, and numb by affecting them mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.  It’s important to know that healing from grief is a process and everyone copes with grief differently.

Many people don’t know what to say or do when a person is grieving or going through a loss; but being available to offer a listening ear, providing help with a practical need and simply validating this person's loss are some supportive ways to show you care.

Therapy can also be a safe, supportive place to process feelings of grief at one's own pace.  It is also a place to be reminded that complex emotions are normal during a time of loss such as experiencing deep sadness, anger, anxiety, and even feeling numb or detached.  Finding a compassionate, soft place to allow those feelings to be expressed are steps toward the healing process.