We provide grief counseling for individuals, couples and families.
Grief is the emotional response to the death of a family member or close friend, Grief is also a common response to other major loses such as separation or divorce, the loss of a job, the death of a treasured animal companion, the loss of financial stability, or loss of safety after trauma.
Feelings of grief can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to know how to manage and overcome these emotions. Sometimes grief stirs up family conflict. It is important to have patience with yourself and others during this process as it is a healthy part of healing. If you are having trouble coping on your own, or know of someone who could use extra support, a therapist can assist.
Everyone experiences loss differently based on their personality, culture, and beliefs, stage of life and support system among many other factors.
Common symptoms of grief include:
- Shock and disbelief: feeling numb about the event, having trouble believing it happened, denying it, or expecting to suddenly see the person you lost.
- Sadness: crying, or having feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or loneliness.
- Replaying a traumatic event.
- Guilt: regret over things unsaid or undone, feeling responsible for the death or the event, or shame from feeling relieved by a person’s passing.
- Anger: blaming someone for injustice.
- Fear: feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and insecurity, or having panic attacks.
- Physical symptoms: fatigue, nausea, weight loss or gain, aches and pains, and insomnia.
Coping with Grief and Loss
An important part of healing is knowing that you are not alone. Seek support from your friends, family, or faith, or join a bereavement support group. Sharing your loss can make the grieving process easier. Remember to take care of yourself; to eat, sleep, and exercise even when you’re too stressed or fatigued to do so. A healthy alternative is to seek the help of a professional therapist. A therapist can help you work through your intense emotions in a safe environment.
Grief Resources:
Crossbridge Wellness Grief Groups
Support After Death of a Parent
Grief Group for Parents of Adult Children by drug overdose or suicide.
Facing Life after the Death of a Spouse of Partner.
Videos
"What Happens in the Brain When We Grieve?" From NPR
Books
On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler
Widow To Widow: Thoughtful, Practical Ideas For Rebuilding Your Life by Genevieve Davis Ginsburg