Grief can be an incredibly complex and overwhelming experience, affecting people emotionally, physically, and psychologically. While everyone grieves differently, many people find that the support of a therapist helps them process emotions and cope with the pain in healthier ways.Here are some key reasons why therapy can be important for grief and loss:
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Grief brings a range of emotions: Sadness, anger, guilt, fear, confusion, and sometimes relief can overwhelm the grieving person. A therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can express their emotions without fear of being misunderstood or criticized.
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Complicated grief: Sometimes grief becomes “stuck,” preventing individuals from moving through the stages of mourning in a healthy way. A therapist trained in grief counseling can help identify if grief is becoming unhealthy and provide guidance toward healing.
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Life adjustments after loss: Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another form of loss, people often need help rebuilding their lives. Therapy can support individuals as they make sense of their new reality and find meaning in the absence of what was lost.
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Grief affects the body: Grief doesn’t just impact emotions—it can also have physical effects, like sleep disturbances, fatigue, appetite changes, or even symptoms resembling depression or anxiety. Therapy helps individuals understand how grief manifests physically and provides strategies to manage these symptoms.
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Coping with exhaustion: Grieving is exhausting, and therapy provides tools for managing emotions, building resilience, and coping with the ongoing impact of loss. Techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and stress management can help individuals better navigate this challenging time.
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The importance of emotional support: Grieving individuals often feel isolated or misunderstood. Therapy offers emotional support, helping people feel heard, validated, and connected to their inner strength.
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Guilt and regret: After a loss, feelings of guilt or regret are common—whether it’s about things left unsaid or doubts about how the loss could have been prevented. A therapist helps individuals work through these complex emotions, guiding them toward forgiveness and self-compassion.
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Honoring the loss: Therapy provides a space for people to honor what was lost, celebrate meaningful aspects of the relationship, and learn to carry forward positive memories in a way that feels healing and right.
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Navigating other life changes: Grief often coincides with other major life changes, like moving, changing jobs, or facing other personal challenges. Therapy helps grieving individuals not only process their grief but manage these additional adjustments as they find stability and purpose.
In short, therapy for grief and loss helps individuals understand and cope with their emotions, navigate life changes, and create a path forward after pain. Grief is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to be faced alone.
My name is Dr. Sharon Friedman, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist and registered nurse. I would be honored to work with you on your grief journey. I have worked with clients of various ages processing their grief, as well as in inpatient hospice care. I understand the emotions surrounding anticipatory grief and how to work through the stages of grief following a loss, even before it occurs.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, call 630-980-1400 to make an appointment with me or one of our experienced providers. I look forward to supporting you as you navigate your grief and move toward a healthier, more peaceful future.