The loss of a loved one is possibly the most stressful life event that a person can experience. Whether the loss is sudden or expected, it usually triggers intense feelings of loss and pain. The form of counseling that is helpful in this situation is known as grief counseling (also sometimes called bereavement counseling). At times, individuals can recover in a healthy and complete way on their own. However, help is often needed to process the feelings of grief and to be able to function again in normal daily life.
At times, grief counseling can also be helpful when a person is experiencing feelings of loss because of a situation other than a death. A divorce, a missing person and even the loss of a pet can cause intense feelings of grief. There is no need to feel embarrassment or hesitation in seeking grief counseling for any reason.
Feelings and emotions are real, no matter their cause or source.
How To Deal With Loss
Individuals deal with grief in many different ways. Some will experience the full range of emotions, and feel free to cry, mourn and seek support from their friends and family. Others will deny their feelings, tell everyone they are doing fine and stay busy to avoid thoughts of sadness and feelings. There are different ways to process grief, but sometimes the process becomes stalled. Complicated grief can occur when the range of emotions becomes too intense to be able to function in daily life.
Signs that grief is becoming overwhelming may include:
- Preoccupation with the circumstances surrounding the death
- Panic attacks; or overwhelming anxiety
- Lack of desire or interest
- Intense feelings of anger or resentment
- Avoiding any reminder of the deceased
- Inability to control emotions, to the point of avoiding leaving home
- Depression or feelings of meaningless
- Onset of addiction or substance abuse
These indicators require professional treatment from a trained professional. A caring counselor will be able to help you move past pain, to healing and a new normal with the reality of loss.
Why Choose Thriveworks Chesterfield?
At Thriveworks Chesterfield, we have trained, licensed, experienced professionals standing by to help you process your grief and create a new, healthy reality in the wake of loss. Whatever you bring to our counseling room, we are ready and able to help you process. There is no need to be embarrassed or hesitant about reaching out for help. The person that you are mourning would want you to be happy and content. At Thriveworks Chesterfield, we can help you become the person that you once were, without being crippled with overwhelming pain.
We pride ourselves on not operating with a waiting list. We respect that your time is valuable, and that the decision to make that first call is never easy. We want to be ready when you are ready for help. For that reason, we have appointments available within 24 hours for most new clients.
