Grief, Loss, and Bereavement

Grief is often painful, but for some people, the emotions can become overwhelming. When a person’s grief is severe and unrelenting, a therapist can offer support. In time, a person can recover from their loss and adjust to a new life.

THERAPY FOR GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT

Each experience of grief is unique, complex, and personal. Grief may concern the death of a loved one, or it could involve a life change such as divorce or job loss. Your culture, personality, and experience can all affect the grieving process. Therapists will tailor treatment to meet your specific needs.

For example, therapy may help you maintain healthy connections with your lost loved one. Many people find catharsis while talking about their loved ones. Reflection on positive memories can strengthen your bond with the lost person. As you reaffirm your bond, you may feel less sting from your loss.

That said, some people may become overly attached to the deceased. In complicated grief, a person may feel hopeless and desire to join the lost loved one in death. A therapist can help you adjust to life without your loved one. They may also help you strengthen bonds with surviving friends and family.

Another common goal in therapy is to process your feelings. Society may stigmatize you for grieving a certain way. But in therapy, you can express your feelings without judgment. A therapist can help you address any guilt or regret you have regarding the deceased.

Joint therapies are also available for people in grief. In group therapy, you may find solace in sharing thoughts and feelings with other mourners. Recovery results are often rapid in this setting. Family therapy may be suitable for a family who is struggling to adapt to the loss of a member.

HELPING CHILDREN GRIEVE

Children may not understand their loss at first. Young kids may believe the deceased will come back. They may also believe they are in danger of dying. However, children are capable of understanding death, so long as adults explain it to them in simple and direct terms.

In some cases, a death may change a child’s daily routine. For instance, a widowed parent may need to hire a babysitter while they are at work. Adults can help children feel less anxious by letting them know what to expect. Children often feel more secure in a predictable environment.

Children often look to their guardians for how to grieve. If an adult hides their sadness, a child will likely try to do the same. When adults talk about their emotions, children can learn to recognize and accept the feelings in themselves. Adults can teach healthy ways to cope with strong feelings, as opposed to withdrawing or lashing out.

Children may have trouble verbalizing their thoughts at first. The immediate nature of their grief may overwhelm them. Certain activities, such as storytelling or play, can help them talk about loss from a mental distance. Children often find it easier to speak about a sad character than about themselves.

A child counselor can help children grieve in a healthy manner. Children who have lost a caregiver or sibling may benefit from family therapy.

SELF-CARE FOR GRIEF

Bereavement can involve a lot of vulnerability and pain. Like a physical injury, the emotional wounds of loss often take time to recover. If you are grieving, it is vital that you take care of yourself.

Self-care can take different forms. During the grieving process, there are five aspects of yourself that may need healing.