Grief is the natural, emotional response to the loss of someone or something important, often experienced after the death of a loved one or pet but also following other significant losses such as illness, divorce, difficult family dynamics or a job loss. It commonly involves emotions like sadness, shock, denial, anger, yearning, numbness, hopelessness and confusion. Also, grief and loss can cause significant physical impairment as well as can alter cognitions and social engagement. Typically, the intensity and duration vary related to significance of the death or loss.
Loss refers to the actual absence of the person or thing valued, while grief is the internal reaction to that loss. Mourning is the outward expression of grief through cultural and personal rituals.
Symptoms may include trouble sleeping, periods of crying, poor concentration, loss of energy and difficulty with daily functioning. Though grief can often diminish over time, some people experience prolonged or complicated grief, which can severely impact daily functioning and lead to depression. It’s important to understand that healing from grief is a process and requires patience and support. It is true that everyone copes with it differently.
Therapy for grief and loss can be very helpful in many ways. By providing support, understanding, and given psychoeducation about what is being experienced, therapy can help reduce the severity and duration of grief.
There are several different types of therapy that are used for processing grief. The key with all of these is that they tailor a treatment plan unique to a person’s grief and loss as well as help them process difficult emotions such as guilt and blame, provide support, help them learn how to adjust to their new reality and develop and maintain healthy coping skills.
You should consider psychotherapy when your painful emotions are not improving, you feel isolated and alone in your mourning and/or need an objective person with whom you can process your grief. We have several therapists who work with grief and loss. Check out our About Us page for more information.
