Grief is one of the most traumatic events we, as humans, can go through. Grief is often minimized and we are expected, by others and ourselves, to “get over it” much quicker than is natural or healthy. For this reason, when I talk about grief, I often talk about trauma at the same time. Also, secondary trauma than can come as a result of poor or unhealthy coping is not uncommon.

Trauma and grief can come out of left field, and leave you reeling. So often, it’s completely under-appreciated how impactful trauma and grief can be, along with how many different areas of your life they can impact. The mental, social, physical, and biological impact of trauma and grief can completely shift the ways we view ourselves, other people, and the world around us.

It’s incredibly common for responses to trauma and grief to be very delayed - sometimes for months or even years - but it can also be extremely confusing as to why it took so long for things to ‘sink in.’ It also can take longer than we think it should, to heal and put the pieces back together again.

For each of us experiencing trauma and grief, regardless of the context or capacity it’s happening in, there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers for how to move through it. Different people benefit from different approaches in order to process and heal. I believe in exploring options in order to find what works for each individual. Because of that, I use three different therapeutic approaches in my practice. They are CBT, DBT, and EMDR. For more information about each approach, please check out those specific pages using the tabs at the top or reach out for a free 15 minute consultation. For more information on grief and loss please continue reading.

Grief, loss, and bereavement are often used interchangeably. While they do have some differences in definition, they are often interrelated and have similar effects. If you’re experiencing overwhelming grief, loss, or bereavement and need support as you heal, I hope you’ll consider working with me at MCR Transitions. I’m here to support you and help you develop tools and strategies for coping with the symptoms of grief, loss, and bereavement while still honoring your loss. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of therapy for those who are struggling with grief, loss, and bereavement

Grief occurs following a loss, and it can cause a range of difficult and distressing emotions, including depression, sadness, anger, and denial. Loss can refer to death of a loved one, pet loss, the end of a relationship, losing a job, or a variety of other significant loss or changes that cause distress. Bereavement refers specifically to the grief that occurs when a loved one dies.

First and foremost, everyone grieves differently. If you’re grieving, give yourself the space and time you need to heal. There’s no such thing as a right or wrong way of grieving. You don’t necessarily need to go to therapy for grief. However, when grief is prolonged, severely intense, or adversely impacts your daily life, therapy can help you make space for you to grieve while developing coping strategies that allow you to begin healing.

During therapy sessions for grief, loss, and bereavement, I’ll create a safe space to talk through the emotions and thoughts you’re experiencing. You’ll learn healthy coping strategies to manage intense emotions and difficult situations, including getting through anniversaries and holidays. The goal is to start reducing distress related to grief in your own time and your own way. It’s about learning to heal and move forward while honoring your loss and the emotions you experience.