Grief Counseling
Grief Counseling at Equilibria
Grief is a normal process people go through when they experience loss, whether it is from the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, the loss of a pet, the loss of a job, a change in physical or emotional well-being, or any change in life. Since we all deal with loss and change in different ways, the grieving process can be an isolating experience.
People experience grief in very different ways. While some may feel a profound sense of sadness, others may feel anger, regret, guilt, or relief, to name a few.
Overall, everyone grieves in his or her own way and in his or her own time. Some people will embrace their emotions, talking about and expressing them at every opportunity, while others may throw themselves into other distractions like work or seem, to an outside observer, almost stoic or unaffected. Some may even be able to experience great joy or humor during a time of great sadness and loss.
Grieving emotions and behaviors can be very surprising to people because the strength of the emotions (whether extreme or mild) can often be contrary to the expectations of the griever (e.g., feeling very upset over the loss of a very unhealthy relationship).
Why Attend Grief Counseling?
Some common symptoms of grief that are often helped by professional grief counseling include:
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
- Feelings of anger
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Difficulty managing emotion
- Extreme fear of the safety and well-being of people close to you
- Difficulty coping with life and basic responsibilities
- Physical discomfort
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or others
The Length of the Grieving Process
Grief is a natural and time limited process lasting anywhere from two weeks to a few years depending on the person and the situation. Some people will feel better and be able to resume with their usual activities within six months (still experiencing sadness at times), while some will feel better after about a year or two.
For other people, the grief may take longer to resolve. Sometimes pre-existing factors like depression, anxiety, mental illness, or a significant dependency on the person who passed may contribute to a seemingly unremitting case of grief.
Factors that help with the grieving process include a strong social support network, a sense of optimism and engagement with life, a healthy diet and exercise program, and other adaptive and healthy behaviors.
Keep in mind, however, that no one way of grieving is better or worse. Everyone does it in his or her own time and in his or her own way.
Why Grief Counseling Works
Professional grief counseling can be a very beneficial way to work through one’s grief in order to integrate the loss or change in a healthy and adaptive way. Grief counseling also helps someone who is grieving adjust to his or her new environment and life without the person that has passed or without the situation that has changed.
Treatment focuses on helping individuals navigate the process of change and loss in a productive and healthy manner by finding meaning within the change or loss and working through the unique issues that are presented to the individual.
Individual, couples, family and group therapy are offered to help individuals cope with the grief process.
Schedule A Grief Counseling Appointment
If you or a loved one is in need of therapy or counseling for grief, please contact us at (267) 861-3685, Option 1 or email us.
