Grief & Loss Therapy

Losing someone hurts. It feels like a piece of you is missing….a piece of your history. That person you shared memories
with is no longer around. You may feel lonely. You may feel lost. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed and not sure whether to stuff your emotions down and keep going or sit and cry.

All of these feelings are normal. In fact, there are a million other strong emotions you may be experiencing which are also “normal.” Regardless of who you’ve lost of what emotions are the strongest for you at the moment, talking to someone can help. A therapist can listen to your stories. They can talk to you about what are normal reactions to grief and bear witness to your pain. Through counseling you can find the strength to face your emotions head on and find ways to honor the relationship you’ve lost. Below you’ll find some resources that we hope will help you as you rediscover your new normal. If you’d like a partner on your journey through grief, contact us today.

The Relationship Between Love & Grief

The more you love, the more you grieve. Love & grief are two sides of the same coin; if you love someone with your whole heart then you will hurt deeply when you lose them. David Oliver explains this concept in this short YouTube video.

In Counseling, we will give you the opportunity to process all of these complex emotions so that you can begin to focus on that love side of the equation.

Counseling Can Help You in the Face of Loss

Even the strongest people struggle to find a footing after a significant loss. Grief is a unique period of time in your life. If you’re walking through the fog of loss, a therapist can be a helpful support or even guide.

You may need to tell the story of the loss several times to make sense of what has happened.  Or perhaps you need new coping skills.  Sometimes you just need to hear that it’s ok to feel lost sometimes.

The thing about grief is that everyone processes it differently. Often the people you usually turn to for support in emotional situations are also grieving and you’re processing your e motions differently. Therefore, it’s hard to talk to your normal supports.  We often hear that people appreciate speaking to a therapist about their loss, because we’re not in the midst of our emotions about the loss.

A therapist can listen to your story-both the good and the bad.  We can help you explore what is “normal” or expected during periods of loss and bereavement.  Maybe you need help finding ways to honor your loved one and to still feel connected.  On the other hand, you may be looking for specific ways to begin slowly creating a new normal in your life.  Coping skills to help you begin to re-engage in the tasks of daily living.  We’re here for whatever you need.  Even if you aren’t sure what that is yet, a skilled grief counselor can help you uncover what will bring you comfort and strength right now.

Tips for Coping With Loss

The truth is that everyone copes with loss differently.  There is no right or wrong.  However, you can click below to download three very basic tips for coping with your grief.  The truth is that the best thing to do is gather ideas and try to find your own mix between honoring the memory of your loved one and beginning to find hope again and create a new normal.

[Click Here]

Grief Resources

1. One online resource others have found helpful is The Grief Toolbox.
2. The Legacies From the Living Room blog is written by a local professor & widow who lost her husband to head and neck cancer and talks about how cancer changed her life and how she has rebuilt since his death.
3. The Widow’s Wallet is a website for a local life coach who specializes in working with Widows.  She’s also been a finance teacher for years so she has great information not only about grief, loss and life but also about finances.

Relevant Blog Posts

• Relationships Never Die: Keeping Bonds Strong Through Loss
• How Grief Can Change Your Relationships
• 5 Things to Say to Someone Who is Grieving
• Navigating Grief with Young Children
• How to Heal After Loss
• Coping with Grief through Meditation
• Grieving the loss of a dream
• When Will I Feel Better?
• Grieving a loss that wasn’t a death
• Grieving the Death of a Child
• Coping with Grief at Work
• Are the 5 Stages of Grief Real?

When someone you care for dies, it can feel confusing and your feelings about death, life, love and so many other things will change as you go through each stage of grief. We will continue to publish new blog posts related to doing with the death of a loved one, so check back often to continue learning more as you find ways to remember your loved one and find renewed meaning.

Call Today to Begin Grief Counseling

As David Oliver said in his video, the more you love someone, the more deeply you will grieve for them. Other factors such as your relationship with the other person, age (both yours and the person who has passed), how the person died, and other life stressors and mental health concerns. Grief counseling can help. If you would like to have someone to speak to about your grief and a partner in your grief journey, please contact our Columbia counseling clinic today to meet with one of our therapists. We have multiple clinicians who specialize in grief counseling and can walk beside you on your journey through grief.

How do I start?

The hardest step is just reaching out.  But if you’ve read this far, it’s time.  You deserve support from someone removed from the loss who understands grief and who’s focus is completely on helping you.  Here are the steps:

1. Contact Aspire Counseling
2. Set up a consultation appointment with one of our therapists
3. Begin finding moving through the fog of grief and finding balance & hope again.