Grief Counseling

Grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss, yet for many, we’ve never been taught how to navigate it in a healthy way. Reaching out to a therapist for help during such times is not a sign of weakness—it’s a courageous step toward nurturing your mental wellness as you journey through grief.

Historically, grieving was something we did publicly, through mourning, with support from loved ones and even strangers. We understood, deep down, that we are meant to be in community during times of loss. Over time, this collective approach to grieving has diminished. Many of us are taught to grieve alone, or worse, not at all. But being alone in pain goes against our very biology. We are meant to be together in moments of triumph, but even more so in times of despair.

My own journey through loss is profound and shaped by both hurt and healing. This work is close to my heart because I know the pain of grieving alone, and I also know the healing power of community. My goal is to help you unlearn the myths surrounding grief and to guide you toward experiencing it in a healthy way. Together, we will work on embracing your grief and re-engaging with life as you find your “new normal.”

What Is Grief?

Grief is not just a reaction to death—it’s the response to any loss. This could be the death of a loved one, pet loss, incarceration, graduation, moving, illness, or any change that disrupts your usual pattern of living. Whatever the loss, I am here to journey with you, uncovering the unspoken lessons we’ve all been taught about masking grief until you’re ready to be emotionally honest and heal your heart.

Disenfranchised Grief

Sometimes we feel shame or isolation when reaching out for help with “disenfranchised grief.” This type of grief occurs when a loss isn’t recognized or validated by others, leaving you feeling unsupported or unable to share your feelings. Disenfranchised grief may arise from:

  • The death of a loved one with a stigmatized illness, such as AIDS
  • The death of a partner in a same-sex relationship
  • The death of an ex-spouse
  • The death of a coworker, doctor, or nurse
  • The loss of a pet
  • Missing a milestone event
  • Infertility

Stigmatized Loss

At times, we may feel shame because our loss is stigmatized. A stigmatized loss is one met with societal judgment and marginalization. These include:

  • Suicide
  • Substance abuse-related deaths
  • Murder
  • Mental health struggles
  • Miscarriage
  • Infertility
  • Death associated with criminal activity

When to Seek Grief Support

Grief is a deeply personal experience, but there are times when the weight of loss can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to function in your day-to-day life. It’s important to recognize when grief is becoming too heavy to carry on your own. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it might be time to seek professional support:

  • Persistent sadness that feels heavy or unshakable
  • Feelings of isolation or disconnection from friends and family
  • Difficulty concentrating or focusing on everyday tasks
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed
  • Emotional numbness or feeling “stuck” in your grief
  • Increased anxiety or panic attacks related to the loss
  • Anger or irritability that’s hard to control
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or body aches
  • Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
  • Avoidance of reminders of the person or situation that caused the loss
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

These symptoms can be signs that grief is affecting your mental, emotional, or physical well-being. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it’s an essential part of taking care of yourself during a difficult time. At Hope Again Counseling, I provide a safe, compassionate space where you can express your feelings, process your loss, and work toward healing. You don’t have to carry this burden alone.

Schedule an appointment

At Hope Again Counseling, no matter the loss or relationship, there is no judgment in your experience—only support in your healing journey. I am here to provide a safe space where you can process your grief, share your story, and begin to heal.

Share this: