Person to Person Psychotherapy
HEALING SEEKERS
You may have landed here because you...
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are adjusting to life after loss
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have unresolved issues or conflicts due to loss
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are rebuilding relationships that have been impacted by loss
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are managing overwhelming emotions
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I'm happy you are here.
New York and New Jersey Psychotherapy
GRIEF THERAPY FAQs
What is grief?
Grief is a deeply personal and individualized experience that arises from various types of losses, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, the loss of a job, or the loss of a cherished dream. Grief encompasses a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, and loneliness, among others.
Types of grief include:
Bereavement grief:
This is the most recognized type of grief and refers to the loss of a loved one through death. It involves mourning and adjusting to life without the presence of the deceased.
Anticipatory grief:
This type of grief occurs when someone is aware in advance that a loss is imminent, such as when a loved one is terminally ill. Anticipatory grief allows individuals to start the grieving process before the actual loss, and it can involve similar emotions and challenges as bereavement grief.
Disenfranchised grief:
Disenfranchised grief refers to a loss that is not widely recognized or socially supported. Examples may include the loss of a pet, the end of a non-traditional relationship, or the loss of a job. People experiencing disenfranchised grief may face difficulties in finding understanding and validation from others, which can complicate the grieving process.
Ambiguous grief:
Ambiguous grief occurs when a loss is unclear or lacks resolution. It may happen in situations where someone is missing or presumed dead, such as in cases of abduction, war, or when a loved one is living with a severe cognitive impairment. Ambiguous grief can lead to prolonged and complicated grieving processes due to the uncertainty and lack of closure.
Cumulative grief:
Cumulative grief refers to the experience of multiple losses over a relatively short period. It could involve the deaths of several loved ones, significant life changes, or a series of traumatic events. The accumulation of grief can be emotionally overwhelming, and individuals may struggle to process each loss fully.
Collective or community grief:
This type of grief is experienced collectively by a community or society in response to a shared loss, such as a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or a public tragedy. Collective grief involves a sense of solidarity, shared mourning, and the need for communal healing and support.
Why grief counseling is important?
Grief often leaves individuals feeling a loss of control over their emotions and circumstances. It can be frustrating and disorienting when emotions arise without warning or when the pain feels unmanageable. Grief can also manifest physically, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. The combination of emotional and physical strain can leave individuals feeling drained.
Grief does not follow a linear or predictable timeline. The duration and intensity of grief can vary widely among individuals, making it challenging to anticipate. This uncertainty can create frustration and a sense of being stuck in the grieving process. Societal expectations or pressure to "move on" or "get over" grief can add to the difficulty. Others may not fully comprehend the ongoing impact of grief, leading to misunderstandings or a lack of support.
Is grief therapy effective?
Grief therapy can be instrumental in preventing normal grief from evolving into complicated grief, a more persistent and severe form of mourning. Early intervention through therapy may help individuals address issues that could lead to prolonged distress. Grief therapy is effective, it's important to note that the grieving process is highly individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some individuals may find benefit from individual therapy, while others may prefer support groups or a combination of different therapeutic approaches.
How does grief therapy work?
Meeting with a therapist for grief and loss offers professional support and guidance in navigating the complex and challenging emotions associated with loss. Grief therapy and bereavement counseling can help individuals gain insight into their grief, identify and address any underlying issues or unresolved emotions, and develop healthy ways to cope with their loss. Additionally, therapy offers tools and techniques to manage grief-related symptoms and assist individuals in finding meaning in their lives after loss.
Grief therapy for traumatic loss
Grief therapy for traumatic loss is a specialized form of counseling designed to help individuals cope with the intense emotional and psychological effects of a loss that is particularly distressing or traumatic in nature. Traumatic losses can include sudden deaths, accidents, suicides, homicides, or any event that is unexpected and deeply distressing.
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As a therapist. I recognize the impact of sudden and distressing events on the grieving process and work to create a safe and understanding space for individuals to express their feelings.Traumatic loss can significantly impact an individual's sense of identity and worldview. Grief therapy explores how the loss has influenced the individual's self-perception, beliefs, and assumptions about the world, facilitating a process of rebuilding and reintegration.
Grief therapy for pet loss
Grief therapy for pet loss begins by acknowledging and validating the grief individuals experience when losing a pet. I recognize the depth of the bond between humans and animals and provide a non-judgmental space for expressing the pain and sadness associated with the loss.
DO I NEED GRIEF THERAPY?
Maybe you've coped with loss by suppressing or ignoring your emotions in an effort to appear strong or avoid burdening others.
Maybe you are worrying about the loss, replaying memories and thoughts over and over again in your mind.
or maybe you are avoiding reminders of the loss, in an effort to escape your grief.
If this is you: Therapy for loss and grief can help you express and process your emotions without fear of judgement or criticism.