What to Expect from the Clinicians at Great South Bay Therapy, LCSW PC
Grief and loss are all around us. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, dissolution of a long term relationship, end of hope for achieving a goal, or other losses, you will need to go through the process of grief and mourning to heal and continue to lead a satisfying life. If you’re struggling, the clinicians at Great South Bay Therapy can help. Counseling following a loss can help you to regain your sense of peace and purpose on the other side of grief and loss.
Why Should I Receive Therapy to Process Grief?
Many people think grief is just sadness after a loss, but grief is actually much more complicated. Following a loss, you can experience a number of complex emotional responses, including anger, denial, guilt, and shame. Grief and the process of grieving or mourning a loss can impact us emotionally, mentally, and physically. People grieve differently, and it is healthy to express your grief in a number of ways. Intuitive and instrumental grieving are two broad categories used to describe mourning. Intuitive grieving includes doing things many people think of as grief like expressing emotion, discussing loss, sharing feelings with others, and coming to terms with the situation. Instrumental grieving is all about the work of loss. Instrumental grief helps you define your new roles, manage change, and complete necessary tasks associated with loss like planning a funeral.
Can Counseling Help After a Loss?
Although grief is a process and the pain, anger, sadness and other emotions are all normal and expected, sometimes these emotions begin to impede our ability to function the way we want to. Grief and loss can make parenting, working, studying, and self care feel like enormous chores. Therapy can help you create time and space for your grief while also attending to your responsibilities and life goals.
What Happens During Therapy for Grief & Loss?
Like most therapy sessions, the first task is establishing a safe, secure connection with your therapist so you can freely express your thoughts and emotions. Your therapist will work with you on sharing your story and any relevant history. You then work together to learn more about the grief process and additional concerns such as complicated grief and in some cases, trauma. Therapy can help you find healthy ways to experience and express your grief, mourn your loss, and practice self-compassion by giving yourself permission to continue living a satisfying life.
We’re Here When You’re Ready
We understand that asking for help can feel like a big step, but we are so happy that you’re considering reaching out to us. When you’re ready, the Great South Bay Therapy team is here to help. We offer therapy services to help you achieve your individual goals, build better relationships, and increase your self-esteem and self-compassion. When you’re ready, we’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.