Grief Counseling

Going through grief can be a turning point, and it's often a time when people reach out for support.

Loss is a part of life, and it can take many forms. We grieve the death of loved ones, the end of relationships, major life changes, and things that were part of our identities. Grief is a deeply personal journey, and there's no right or wrong way to experience it. Even though everyone goes through loss, it can feel incredibly lonely and confusing.

Grief is complex and can involve a mixture of emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger, guilt, and even depression. It can shake up how we see ourselves, our lives, and our relationships. It can make it hard to focus, think clearly, or make decisions. It can also impact our bodies, causing trouble sleeping, headaches, and making us more susceptible to illness.

Grief shows us how much we care.

Therapy can help us feel safe to acknowledge that love and longing alongside our grief. It offers a way to explore our feelings while learning to be gentle with ourselves as we grieve, recognizing it as a natural and important part of being human.

Common questions about grief

  • The stages of grief are a helpful framework for understanding the grieving process, but contrary to popular belief, grieving is not a linear process. People may experience the stages in different orders, revisit stages, or not experience all of them.

    The most well-known model is the Kübler-Ross model, which outlines five stages:  

    • Denial: This is a common initial reaction to loss. It's a way of protecting ourselves from the immediate shock and pain. In this stage, you might feel numb, disoriented, or as if the loss isn't real.  

    • Anger: As the reality of the loss sets in, anger can emerge. This anger might be directed at oneself, others (including the person who died), or even a higher power. It's important to recognize that anger is a natural part of grief, even if it feels uncomfortable.  

    • Bargaining: In this stage, people may try to negotiate or make deals to undo the loss. This might involve making promises to change behaviors or pleading for more time.  

    • Depression: As the full weight of the loss is felt, sadness and despair can become prominent. This stage is marked by feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.  

    • Acceptance: This stage doesn't necessarily mean feeling "happy" or "okay" with the loss. Instead, it involves coming to terms with the reality of the situation and finding a way to live with it. It's about adjusting to a new normal and finding meaning in life despite the loss

  • Grief counseling can take many different forms, but below are some approaches that we can explore as possible options at Stillpoint.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for grief focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may be prolonging the grieving process. A CBT therapist might help you challenge negative thoughts about the loss, develop coping strategies for difficult emotions, and gradually re-engage in activities you've avoided since the loss. The focus is on practical skills and problem-solving to manage current distress.

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches grief by encouraging acceptance of painful emotions and thoughts, rather than struggling against them. ACT emphasizes clarifying your values and committing to actions that are meaningful to you, even in the face of grief. The goal isn't to eliminate grief, but to create a rich and fulfilling life alongside it.

    Internal Family Systems (IFS) views the psyche as comprised of various "parts," each with its own perspective and role. In grief, some parts might be experiencing intense sadness, while others might be trying to protect you from further pain. IFS therapy helps you understand and connect with these different parts with compassion, promoting inner harmony and healing.

    Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body. Grief can manifest physically as tension, pain, or other symptoms. Somatic therapy uses techniques like mindful movement, breathwork, and body awareness to release trapped emotions and promote healing on a physical level. It helps you become more attuned to your body's signals and find ways to regulate your nervous system.