Grief Counseling

Grief Emotions and Behaviors 

 

There are different types of grieving and different types of emotion that may be associated with grief. 

 

Some may wish to be left alone with their feelings, while others need to focus on problem-solving tasks or other instrumental forms of grief that minimize emotional expression of  loss. You may also seek distraction from feelings of grief.

 

Others grieve intuitively, sharing feelings, exploring the relationship that has been lost. 

 

While grief often passes in time, it may not be fully recovered from although intensity is tempered. Some, however, experience a more complicated form of grief, and a more persistent bereavement that lasts for an extended period of time, usually a year or more.
 

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What is Complicated Grief?

 

Complicated grief can interfere with and dominate your life, causing symptoms such as:

 

• Intense sadness and emotional pain

• Sensations of emptiness and hopelessness

• Longing to be reunited with the lost loved one

• Preoccupation with the lost loved one

• Difficulty accessing happy memories of the lost person

• Avoiding reminders of the lost person

• Experiencing reduced sense of identity

• Detaching from or isolating from family and friends

• Losing interest in plans or activities that previously brought pleasure

 

If any of these should occur, grief counseling can help you to cope with these emotions and find a way to move on in your life.
 

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How Grief Counseling Can Help

 

Grief counseling can help you to grieve in a healthy way, understand and cope with your emotions and find a way to move on. The main focus is helping you to recognize the loss you’ve experienced but be able to move on with your life in a healthy fashion.

 

In many cases, you’ll be encouraged to retell the story of your loss to help you heal. You’ll address the relationship you are grieving, as well as:

 

• Talking about your lost person in a space that is safe

• Recognizing the differences between grief and trauma which can stop you from working through the grieving process

• Address any guilt, depression, or anxiety surrounding your grief

• Assist you with letting go of any guilt

• Help you to commit to moving on with your life in a way that can honor the lost person

 

And, if you are experiencing long term depression or anxiety due to your loss, psychotherapeutic intervention and medication can help.
 

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Learn More About Grief Counseling

 

You don’t have to grieve or mourn alone. If you or a loved one is suffering from loss, grief, or bereavement counseling can help. If you would like to know more about grief itself, grief counseling, and how we can help at San Antonio Authentic Counseling, please reach out to us today!