Grief counseling helps people grieve difficult losses including the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a relationship. It helps people navigate their grief process and eventually accept, understand, and move forward from their loss. Grief counselors have specific experience, training, and skills that enable them to best-support grieving individuals.
There are few things in life as painful and confusing as losing a loved one. When someone leaves your life, it can leave a hole that you’re not sure will ever fill. It can feel like you’re drowning in emotions that you didn’t think could exist at the same time in just one person. At other times, it can feel like you’re numb to everything happening around you.
“Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.” -Earl Grollman
Grief is especially isolating because it is so different for everyone who experiences it. Thriveworks Columbus grief counseling wants you to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. We have counselors who understand the mechanisms behind grief, as well as the emotional toll it takes. We are here to walk with you through your grief and into healing.
What Is Grief and Loss Therapy?
Grief can show itself after any loss—whether that’s a coworker, family member, or close friend. It can happen after a death, or even after a move or major life change. Whatever the scenario, grief is actually healthy. It’s when it becomes overbearing that it can become corrupt. Columbus counselors are here to be a professional, unbiased companion to help the healing process along. In general, there are five stages of grief, although they are a little different for each person:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
That’s not the best portrayal of a grieving person. But there is truly nothing wrong with slipping into a depressive funk or being angry or feeling weak! You had an immense loss in your life. Grieving can be a way to honor their memory while letting yourself move on.
Much easier said than done, but that’s why we’re here! When someone gets “stuck” in a stage, they find themselves unable to move on. They might never accept that their loved one is gone or find themselves unable to get out of bed for weeks at a time. When full healing can’t take place, the consequences spread out to all parts of life.
Techniques Used in Grief Counseling
To get out of a stuck stage and progress onward to the acceptance stage, Thriveworks Columbus has some techniques we can use. Our goal is to help you to the acceptance stage. In no way do we want or expect you to forget your loved ones! Here are some of our specialties and techniques:
- Art and music therapy
- Exercise therapy
- Adapting to a new role
- Managing changes in behavior or schedule
- Developing new relationships or rekindling old ones with friends and family
- Cultivating a new way of life if necessary
- Talk therapy
Thriveworks Columbus is always a client-orientated practice. So, your unique situation and personality will determine much of our sessions. We want a partnership with you and to walk beside you toward that life of freedom again.
Do I Need Grief Therapy?
All paths of grieving will hurt in some capacity, even if you don’t get “stuck” in a stage of grief. So, when is the pain normal, and when should you reach out for professional help?
It takes courage to even ask that question. And there’s not a simple answer. We encourage you to ask yourself: are you happy with your life? The magnitude of your emotions shouldn’t determine whether you seek counseling or not. We are here for you no matter how big or small you perceive your problems to be. Our goal is to lead you to a place in life that you do want to be.
For a more specific answer, some signs that point toward “out of control” grief include:
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Unrelentless depression
- Inability to find joy in activities and people you previously did
- A small or weak support system
- Avoiding friends or family
- Fear or apprehension over forming new relationships
- Numbness of emotion
- Sudden changes in behavior (like anger, sleep, or eating patterns)
- Inability to move on
It’s not easy asking for help. Thriveworks Columbus is here for you whenever you are ready to make the call and start the journey towards the happy, fulfilling life that you deserve.
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