Grief and loss are experienced by all, but talked about by few. By definition, grief is the feeling you experience when you lose someone or something. COVID-19 has left many of us feeling some sense of loss.
Several of our therapists work with adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing grief and loss. Child, adolescent, and adult reactions to grief can look very different. Working with a therapist can help provide you the support you need as you define your new normal after loss.
What is Grief and Loss?
Most of us can identify the grief we felt after the physical loss of a loved one. Friends and family even with the best of intentions can sometimes make us feel even more alone in our sorrow as they try to make us feel better. The grief we feel is multifold. The loss of a loved one is more than the physical loss of them, it’s the relationship we had with them. Grief is a natural response to loss but for some people, their grief becomes complicated and they need the support of a trained therapist to help them work through this.
Am I experiencing grief?
Possible signs of grief can include, but are not limited too:
- Agitation
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Emptiness
- Fear
- Loneliness
- Relief
- Sadness
- Shame
As David Kessler said, grief is unique for everyone. No two people will grieve the same way. This list is certainly not exhaustive. Your grief reaction is affected by many things, including but not limited to: your loss history, trauma history, support system and the nature of the loss. If you feel you need some support in your grief or if you have concerns you or someone you love may be experiencing complicated grief, reach out to a therapist.
When should I seek help?
You should consider seeking help for your grief when you are unable to integrate back into your new normal and any of the following areas of your life are impacted:
- School (difficulty concentrating)
- Work (difficulty keeping up with your work, interacting with coworkers or supervisors. Not wanting to go to work)
- Relationships (conflict with loved ones, avoidance of interactions or conversations with loved ones, feeling fear that you may lose them too)
- Sleep (difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling tired when you wake up)
What kind of help is available?
Just as grief and loss can look different for each person, the approaches that can help will not be the same for everyone. There are several approaches to therapy that can help with grief and loss including, but not limited to CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Existential Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. A therapist trained in grief and loss will be able to help you process your loss and learn to navigate your new normal.
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Choosing The Right Therapist
Related Therapist Profiles
The following therapists specialize in Grief and Loss
Groups
Here are some groups we recommend to get started
R.A.I.N. Space
A safe place for women, ages 18+, to become empowered through mindfulness-based meditation while also tending to our mental health and wellness.
Date: Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm in 4 week cycles - can attend continuously
Location: Cherry Hill Counseling - Deer Park, 21925 W Field Parkway, Suite 215, Deer Park, IL 60010 and via Zoom - hybrid group for accessibility
Cost: $60/session. Sliding scale available upon request.
Contact: Emily Salomon: emily@cherryhillcounseling.com or Emily Nikfar: enikfar@cherryhillcounseling.com,