Grief and Loss

In common media we often hear about the “five stages of grief” but grief looks different

for everyone. There is no moving through stages and then you are done. Grief tends to

weigh heavily on our hearts throughout our lifetimes, and that is okay. Grief will also feel

harder some days and will feel lighter on others.

In therapy we will hold space for you to process the loss of your loved one(s). To miss

someone is to have had the privilege of loving someone so deeply and we are honored to

hear about your people’s lives. We believe in the idea of moving forward with the love you

feel for that person rather than moving on, as we are sometimes told to do. Sometimes we

also might see where someone feels a sense of relief when someone passes due to the

nature of the relationship that was once had with them, which is perfectly normal as well.

 

It should also be noted that grief is not only marked by the passing of a loved one but can

take place after any kind of loss.  Examples of this loss may be a job, pet or a divorce.

Sometimes the loss can be a positive thing for people but can trigger uncomfortable

feelings that are important to be felt in the moment as our feelings are often messengers of

something bigger than the moment. Your feelings will fluctuate and that is something that

all of us have experience in working with here at Living Within Therapy.  

Anticipatory grief is also something commonly experienced. This most often shows up

when someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness such as cancer. A cancer diagnosis can

affect the mental health of the patient and their families and friends. You might be

struggling with ideas around your own mortality or feel confused about how to process

the potential loss of a loved one that is still alive. Sometimes your feelings and reactions

might not make sense to you or you might experience fears that are entirely new. We are

here to support you throughout this difficult time whether you or someone you know has

just been diagnosed, is in treatment, is in remission, or has died.