Grief & Loss

Grief & loss counseling is a type of psychotherapy that helps people deal with bereavement due to the death of a loved one or other events that might cause feelings of grief and loss. The bereavement process differs for everyone. You may feel a wide range of strong emotions, and this is totally normal. However, if the feelings of grief and loss are starting to affect your life in a negative way, then you might need professional help.

Taking part in grief & loss counseling can provide a safe outlet for expressing your feelings and emotions. During the sessions, you and your therapist will discuss effective ways of dealing with feelings of grief and loss.

Common Reactions To Grief & Loss

The time of bereavement is often very difficult for people. The death of a loved one can make you feel like the grief and loss will never end. It can make you feel like your world has been destroyed, and you don’t know how to go on or what to do next. One moment you might feel deeply sad, then angry, and then numb and paralyzed. It’s important to know that this is what grief is. It’s a normal reaction to loss. The loss doesn’t even have to be a death for you to feel the strong emotions of grief. It can also happen at the end of a marriage or other issues.

The following are six common reactions to grief and loss:

1. Shock
You may feel like you can’t wrap your mind around what has happened. You might even have times when you feel like they’re still alive and go on as normal.
2. Sadness
Feelings of deep sadness as well as emptiness and loneliness are completely normal.
3. Anger
This is another common reaction to grief and loss. You might feel angry at your loved one for leaving you through death. People often try to sublimate this feeling, but it’s good to let out what comes naturally and not judge yourself.
4. Guilt
You might feel guilt for several reasons. It might be due to the anger mentioned above, or it might be that you didn’t do something for your loved one when they were alive, or it might simply be that you’re alive and they’re not.
5. Fear
Another common reaction to grief and loss is fear. It can be directly related to your loved one’s death and how it affects your own feelings of safety or security. It can also simply be related to anxieties over your own mortality.
6. Physical discomfort
It’s not uncommon to have physical symptoms as a result of grief and loss. You might experience headaches, digestive problems, fatigue and sleep disturbances among other symptoms.

Bereavement Support

It’s very important to have support as you recover from grief and loss. If you don’t share your pain with others, you may find it difficult to move out of grief. There are times when getting professional help to deal with grief and loss is appropriate. This includes the following situations:

  • You are having problems continuing with your life even after some time has passed
  • You feel trapped in feelings of anger, anxiety or depression
  • You can't sleep well, despite months passing after the loss
  • You've started using drugs or alcohol to cope with your grief
  • You have thoughts of dying or feelings of worthlessness
  • You feel like your grief is a burden to your friends and family

What Is Grief Therapy?

Grief & loss are an inevitable part of life. If you’re struggling to process your grief, then you might benefit from a safe space to talk about your feelings with someone who will listen without judging. Talking about feelings of grief can help you move on. Burying your feelings just means that they will stick around longer, and you may have a harder time getting past them. Even though your sad feelings are completely normal, it’s not normal to lose all sense of function or purpose in your life.

Menachem Psychotherapy Group in Los Angeles provides grief & loss counseling for couples, families, individuals and groups in private practice. He has previously worked at inpatient addiction facilities treating substance abuse disorders and co-occurring disorders. He is also a licensed marriage and family therapist. Get in touch with them today for a free phone consultation.

What We Treat

Menachem Psychotherapy Group

If you or a loved one need grief therapy please call:

(323) 524-3868

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