Grief and Loss
In common media we often hear about the “five stages of grief” but grief looks different for everyone. There is no moving through stages and then you are done. Grief tends to weigh heavily on our hearts throughout our lifetimes, and that is okay. Grief will also feel harder some days and will feel lighter on others.
In therapy we will hold space for you to process the loss of your loved one(s). To miss someone is to have had the privilege of loving someone so deeply and we are honored to hear about your people’s lives. We believe in the idea of moving forward with the love you feel for that person rather than moving on, as we are sometimes told to do. Sometimes we also might see where someone feels a sense of relief when someone passes due to the nature of the relationship that was once had with them, which is perfectly normal as well.
It should also be noted that grief is not only marked by the passing of a loved one but can take place after any kind of loss. Examples of this loss may be a job, pet or a divorce. Sometimes the loss can be a positive thing for people but can trigger uncomfortable feelings that are important to be felt in the moment as our feelings are often messengers of something bigger than the moment. Your feelings will fluctuate and that is something that all of us have experience in working with here at Living Within Therapy.
Anticipatory grief is also something commonly experienced. This most often shows up when someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness such as cancer. A cancer diagnosis can affect the mental health of the patient and their families and friends. You might be struggling with ideas around your own mortality or feel confused about how to process the potential loss of a loved one that is still alive. Sometimes your feelings and reactions might not make sense to you or you might experience fears that are entirely new. We are here to support you throughout this difficult time whether you or someone you know has just been diagnosed, is in treatment, is in remission, or has died.