Finding Support Through Grief and Loss
How Counselling Can Help
Grief and loss profoundly impact every aspect of our lives and are deeply personal experiences. We are all unique, so the way we express our grief may be different to how we see others responding to losses in their lives. There is no one ‘normal’ way to grieve, or to navigate loss.
Grief and loss are often associated with death, but there are many other life events that create a grieving process within us:
Death of a loved one
Death of a much-loved pet
The end of a significant relationship
Significant life events, eg moving to another area
Loss of a job
Loss of a home
Retirement
Miscarriage
Changes in health/disability/body image
Ageing - midlife and menopause
Grief/Loss often gives rise to a whole range of emotions. You often hear people say that their life is a ‘rollercoaster.’ You may experience anger, guilt and confusion. In some cases, relief is a factor. There is no right or wrong way to feel.
Grieving is a normal process, but sometimes people can feel stuck and unable to cope. If this happens, it is vital to get some support to help you process your emotions and start to heal. Counselling provides a safe and compassionate space where you can be heard without judgment.
Understanding Grief and Loss
Grief and loss can appear at different times and in different ways.
Common experiences of grief include:
Intense sadness or longing
Difficulty concentrating, brain fog, loss of focus
Loss of appetite
Insomnia - or sleeping too much
Irritability, anger and rage
Feeling numb or disconnected
Physical symptoms such as fatigue or tension
It’s important to remember that grief doesn’t follow a straight line. You may feel “okay” one day and overwhelmed the next. This unpredictability is a natural part of the healing process.
How Counselling Can Help with Grief
Counselling offers a safe, supportive environment to explore your feelings without judgment with someone who understands that grief is deeply personal and often complex.
I will work with you to help you to:
Express your emotions freely: In the therapy room, there is no need to put on a brave face. It can be hard to talk to friends and family who are often also experiencing the loss. This is your space and time to think about yourself, to express yourself and meet your own needs.
Make sense of your feelings: Understanding that grief goes through stages and that our feelings are unique. This can help reduce any feelings of guilt, confusion or self-blame that you may be experiencing.
Coping strategies: Counselling provides you with space to think about how you will manage your day-to-day life without receiving unsolicited advice or opinions.
Emotional well-being: Counselling can help you develop relaxation and coping techniques so you can move forward in life. It can help you build confidence and resilience.
Adjust to a new way of living after a loss: Counselling can support you as you move forward with a new role, way of life or routine.
Find hope and meaning: Counselling cannot ‘cure’ grief and it never fully disappears. What it can do is help you move towards acceptance and create a life that moves beyond and honours your loss.
Why Seek Counselling?
It is easy to feel that you should “just get over it”. Or perhaps you worry that seeking help will make you appear weak. In reality, reaching out is an act of strength. If grief feels too heavy to carry alone, a compassionate counsellor can make a meaningful difference.
I will not ‘fix you’ or make you forget. I will walk alongside you, offering understanding and tools to help you find your path forward.
Taking the Next Step
If you are struggling right now, remember you do not have to cope alone. I will offer you support and travel with you on your journey. Reaching out today can be the first step towards healing. If you’re ready to talk, I’m here to listen.