Grief counseling
Coaching and psychotherapy for grief and loss
"A profound loss can completely turn your life upside down."
Grief is a natural reaction to loss, but it can be tough and have a lot of impact on your daily life. It affects your thoughts, your emotions, your body, your relationships and sometimes even your identity. You try to give the loss a place, but at the same time you may feel sad, tired, angry or confused.
Grief unfolds differently for everyone. The grieving process can be unpredictable and often requires a great deal of time and energy. Moments of intense sadness may alternate with periods of calm or distraction. Time can soften some of the pain, but not all of it. Sometimes grief lasts longer than you expected.
Types of loss
When we think of grief, we often think first of the death of a loved one, such as a partner, parent, or child. But grief can also arise from other forms of loss — such as a separation, or the loss of a job, pregnancy, health, or familiar role. It may also stem from unfulfilled expectations or dreams, or from living alongside a loved one who is suffering from dementia or a serious illness.
Any form of loss can trigger a grieving process and deserves recognition. Grief is about something that had meaning in your life, not just about physical loss.
Would you like to learn more about the signs and stages of grief and loss, or understand why the grieving process sometimes gets stuck? Then take a look at our page on signs of grief and loss.
Coping with loss and grief
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, "How should you grieve?" Everyone grieves in their own way. You may adjust relatively quickly to your ‘new’ life, yet still struggle for a long time to accept the loss. Or you may feel you’ve found your footing again, only to be overwhelmed by grief years later.
Know that this is normal, and there is no need to worry about it right away. All the emotions and thoughts you experience are allowed to be there; they are part of your grieving process.
Everyone grieves differently
Grief does not follow fixed rules or a set timeline. Often, stages or tasks are described that people commonly go through during grief, but the way you experience them and the time it takes varies from person to person and situation to situation. Everything you feel is part of your unique grieving process.
Would you like to explore how professional grief support can help you come to terms with your loss? Feel free to contact me for a free introductory session.
Counseling in grief and loss
It’s important to take the impact of loss seriously. Grief can demand a lot of energy and disrupt your sense of balance. But you don’t have to face it alone. Professional grief support can help you come to terms with the loss and restore room for life.
During a counseling program, you will gain insight into your grieving process and how it affects your daily life. Together, we explore where you feel stuck and what you need. This may involve coping with intense emotions or difficult thoughts, or finding support from your environment. We also look at how you can create space for meaning and new energy, so you can reconnect with what is valuable to you and engage in the things that matter mos
With professional guidance, you will work on coming to terms with your loss and reconnecting with life – while honoring what you miss.
How loss can affect you
Grief affects more than just your emotions. Loss can be felt on many levels. You might experience sadness and loneliness, as well as fatigue, restlessness, trouble concentrating, or a sense that life no longer feels quite as natural.
Below is an overview of common reactions to grief and loss. It is important to know that all of these responses are normal, and that everyone experiences grief in their own way.
Emotional
sadness and crying
feelings of guilt, relief or shame
anger, helplessness, or irritability
anxiety or insecurity
emptiness or feelings of meaninglessness
Physical
sleep problems or nightmares
headaches or tense muscles
fatigue or exhaustion
decreased appetite or, conversely, eating more
increased tension, agitation or restlessness
Cognitive
ruminating or repeatedly thinking about the loss
problems with concentration
forgetfulness or a “foggy mind”
indecisiveness or difficulty making decisions
difficulty with planning or managing daily tasks
Social
reduced desire for social contact, or conversely, a strong need for support
difficulty connecting with others
withdrawing from activities or work
feeling that those around you don’t understand you
So it is not surprising if you sometimes ask yourself: How do I cope with this? Am I grieving in the 'right' way?
Do you recognize many of these symptoms? That's normal - take them seriously and be gentle with yourself.
Do you have questions, or would you like support with your grieving process? Feel free to contact me for a free introductory session.
"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us."
- Helen Keller
Coaching and psychotherapy for grief and loss
Everyone grieves in their own way, but you don’t have to do it alone. Professional grief support can help you process the loss, manage your emotions, and create space for life again. It provides guidance, insight, and practical tools.
When to seek professional help with grief?
Grieving is a natural process, but sometimes that process can get stuck. It may feel as if time is passing, but the grief is not lessening, or you feel like you are not moving forward. Or you might experience persistent physical symptoms, tension, or sleep problems.
Professional grief counseling can help explore together what is happening and what you need to find direction, meaning and connection again. Asking for help does not mean you are ‘not grieving properly,’ but that you are giving yourself support during this difficult process. Grief counseling may be appropriate when:
your sadness or feelings of loss interfere with daily functioning
feelings of emptiness, sadness, or guilt continue to prevail
you are struggling to reconnect with life
you feel stuck in your grieving process
grief is affecting your relationships or your social contacts
Feel free to reach out for an introductory session. Together we’ll explore what you need and how I can support you.
Reach out for a free introductory session.
Without pressure or obligation.
