Grief and loss counselling Online

What is grief?

Grief is a normal human emotion felt after the loss of a loved one or the loss of something very important like the ending of a long-term relationship, job or miscarriage. 

The pain of grief can be so debilitating to our lives at first and brings with it intense and difficult emotions. These emotions might be anger, disbelief, regret, sadness and guilt to name a few. 

It is common for those experiencing grief to want to blame themselves or others for the loss which only creates more problems.

What does grief feel like?

While grief and loss symptoms are complex and personal, they can have profound emotional and physical effects. 

These can range from anxiety, intense sadness, feeling isolated and alone, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, nausea, diarrhea, and physical tension caused by the stress response releasing hormones such as cortisol into our body. 

Grief symptoms can cause someone to behave in self-destructive ways by excessively drinking or abusing substances. 

Types of grief

The experience of grief has been studied over the years and research has found 3 main types of grief. 

1. ‘Normal’ or Uncomplicated Grief is the most common type and refers to the natural response to loss. This type is characterised by a person going through a range of emotions which lessens gradually over time as they adjust to their loss. 

2. Prolonged or Complicated Grief is characterised by intense and prolonged symptoms persistent longing for the deceased, difficulty accepting the loss, and avoidance of reminders. In some cases, people with prolonged grief might experience severe depression and suicidal thoughts. 

3. Anticipatory Grief is the grief felt before the loss and is commonly seen when a loved one has a terminal illness. It is characterised by a mix of emotions seen with normal grief as well as some relief after the loss of the person who was suffering. 

How long does the grieving process last?

Grief does not have a specific timeline and varies for each individual based on the personality, religious, spiritual or cultural beliefs, and past experiences of the bereaved. 

However, to be diagnosed with complicated or prolonged grief the person has to have had trouble adjusting to their loss for at least 12 months (American Psychiatric Association).

When to seek help

Each case is different, but therapy for grief and loss can be helpful at any stage to talk at length about your loss and to process the emotions you are experiencing. 

There is no set time or right time to seek help with your grief because it depends on the individual. 

The trained online grief counsellors at Kind Mind Psychology have extensive experience and success in helping people navigate their difficult feelings of loss and reach a stage of peace and acceptance. 

With Kind Mind Psychology, therapy sessions for grief are offered online via telehealth in the comfort and security of your home or office.  

How therapy helps with grief and loss

In 1969, Psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler-Ross described a model of grief where she referred to five common stages of grief.

This model is a helpful guide to how humans experience grief however, it is now widely believed people experience their emotions differently. 

Therapy approaches offered with Kind Mind Psychology are tailored to your individual needs and a trained grief psychologist will discuss a treatment plan which addresses your treatment goals.

Types of therapy that can help with grief

Therapy approaches helpful during times of grief address basic self-care needs i.e., nutrition, sleep, relaxation, and social factors.  

Kind Mind Psychology has trained psychologists in the following evidence-based practices recommended to treat Grief and Loss:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – this is helpful when working with complicated or prolonged grief as it addresses any irrational thoughts/beliefs/behaviours that may be perpetuating grief symptoms. 

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – this helps improve self-awareness of grief experiences and to come to a point of acceptance of the loss.

• Interpersonal Therapy – is an attachment-based approach that helps the bereaved to address and process their grief symptoms, leading to a phase where they find some meaning in their loss.

• Schema Therapy – works on addressing any unmet core emotional needs that may be triggered by grief and works on ways to meet these needs and weaken any unhelpful coping behaviours.