Grief Therapy
Express and process your emotions without fear of judgment or criticism.
You will find psychotherapy for loss helpful if you...
-
are adjusting to life after loss
-
have unresolved issues or conflicts due to loss
-
are rebuilding relationships that have been impacted by loss
-
are managing overwhelming emotions
Why Grief Therapy?
Grief doesn’t follow a straight path or a set timeline. Everyone experiences it differently, and it’s hard to predict how long or how intense it will be. This uncertainty can leave you feeling stuck or frustrated. On top of that, society often expects people to “move on” or “get over it,” which can make things even harder. Friends and family might not fully understand how deeply the loss affects you, leading to misunderstandings or a lack of support.
​
Early intervention through therapy helps people experiencing loss address issues that could lead to prolonged distress. It's important to note that the grieving process is highly individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some individuals may find benefit from individual therapy, while others may prefer support groups or a combination of different therapeutic approaches.
Grief therapy can help individuals gain insight into their process, identify and address any underlying issues or unresolved emotions, and develop healthy ways to cope with loss. Additionally, therapy offers tools and techniques to manage grief-related symptoms and assist individuals in finding meaning in their lives after loss.
Types of Traumatic Grief
Bereavement Grief
This is the most recognized type of grief and refers to the loss of a loved one through death. It involves mourning and adjusting to life without the presence of the deceased.
Ambiguous Grief
Ambiguous grief occurs when a loss is unclear or lacks resolution. It may happen in situations where someone is missing or presumed dead, such as in cases of abduction, war, or when a loved one is living with a severe cognitive impairment. Ambiguous grief can lead to prolonged and complicated grieving processes due to the uncertainty and lack of closure.
Anticipatory Grief
This type of grief occurs when someone is aware in advance that a loss is imminent, such as when a loved one is terminally ill. Anticipatory grief allows individuals to start the grieving process before the actual loss, and it can involve similar emotions and challenges as bereavement grief.
Collective or Community Grief
This type of grief is experienced collectively by a community or society in response to a shared loss, such as a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or a public tragedy. Collective grief involves a sense of solidarity, shared mourning, and the need for communal healing and support.
Disenfranchised Grief
Disenfranchised grief refers to a loss that is not widely recognized or socially supported. Examples may include the loss of a pet, the end of a non-traditional relationship, or the loss of a job. People experiencing disenfranchised grief may face difficulties in finding understanding and validation from others, which can complicate the grieving process.
Cumulative Grief
Cumulative grief refers to the experience of multiple losses over a relatively short period. It could involve the deaths of several loved ones, significant life changes, or a series of traumatic events. The accumulation of grief can be emotionally overwhelming, and individuals may struggle to process each loss fully.
Therapy for Pet Loss
Pets become members of our family. They're special friends who fill our lives with happiness and fun. When we lose them, it really hurts - and that's okay. They wake us up in the morning, play with us, and love us no matter what. They make our lives better in so many ways.
​
When a pet dies, you might feel really sad, angry, or confused. Everyone handles losing a pet differently, and there's no right or wrong way to feel. Some people cry a lot, while others might not cry at all. Some people want to talk about their pet, while others prefer to be quiet. All of these reactions are normal.
​
Don't let anyone tell you that "it was just a pet" or that you should "get over it" quickly. Your feelings matter, and it's fine to take the time you need to feel better. If you're having a hard time dealing with losing your pet, therapy can help.
