The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. – Kahlil Gibran
Grief Counseling
There are so many ways that grief and loss show up in our lives. Sometimes they are big and profound losses and their grief feels like an earthquake. Other times they are losses that leave a quieter impression, yet still change us. Sometimes grief comes immediately after a loss, other times, it shows up later - even years or decades later and usually when we least expect it. One thing that is common about the different types of grief and loss is that they are all life altering and require us to pivot and reinvest in our lives in different ways than we had expected. Whatever your loss, it is as unique and individual as you are. I would be honored to walk alongside you in support.
Types of grief & loss I primarily work with:
Death of a loved one
Delayed grief
Traumatic loss of a loved one
Reproductive loss, including voluntary abortion
Diagnosis of a terminal illness in self or a loved one
Family Estrangement
Other types of loss that I work with:
Loss of a relationships - divorce, long term relationship or friendship (LGBTQ+, ENM affirming)
Loss of a job, changes in financial status
Chronic illness, changes in health and physical abilities
Aging
I am unable to provide therapy for children/adolescents and individuals experiencing grief from pet loss. I am happy to assist you with locating a provider who specializes in these fields.
If you are experiencing what is known as complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder, let’s chat. I am happy to assess you and determine if I am the right therapist for you or assist you with locating a provider who could be a better fit.
What Can I Expect?
I find it helpful to think of grief as a living, evolving being; one that pulses through your life with varying degrees of intensity. And as a living, evolving being, grief needs first and foremost to be seen, to be witnessed; it then needs to be integrated or metabolized. The grief process is not linear and despite popular belief, we do not move through stages and arrive at an end point. For many people, grief happens while you are living your life. Afterall, life carries on, even when we have experienced tremendous loss. I will work with you to explore and identify ways you can modulate between creating space for your grief and still attending to life’s essentials.
Initially therapy will involve you sharing with me about your loss and the pain you are experiencing. We will explore how you are coping (or not), who the person (or thing) you lost is and what they and their loss means to you. I will want to know what your support systems are, if any, and how you are engaging with them.
During this narrative process, we will work on building a toolbox of coping and emotional regulation skills that can support you in your day to day life outside of the therapy office. We will identify ways that you can honor your loss in a meaningful way. You are transforming from the moment your loss occurred and eventually you will start making meaning out of your loss and finding strength within it to move forward. Utilizing evidence based models and integrating your own individualized needs and goals, I will be paying attention for key indicators that you may be ready to start taking steps towards developing a new identity after loss. I will check in with you frequently and never make assumptions about what the loss means to you. Eventually, you will be ready to identify ways to maintain an enduring connection with your loved one or your previous life, while embarking on your new life.
What is the difference between Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy?
It is not uncommon for “therapy” and “counseling” to be used synonymously in general use. When talking about grief, there are some specific distinctions.
The term “Grief Counseling” refers to a type of service individuals seek for what is considered “uncomplicated grief”. Grief counseling professionals provide a safe and compassionate environment to support individuals who are navigating the normal grief responses that arise after a loss.
The term “Grief Therapy” refers to more comprehensive treatment for individuals who are experiencing challenges with more long-term functioning as a result of what is considered “complicated grief” and who may also be struggling with co-occurring conditions such as depression, substance use disorder, anxiety and trauma. Grief therapy requires more highly skilled professional support.