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Understanding Loss Grief and Bereavement
Grief and Bereavement
Grief is a natural and deeply personal response to loss, often associated with the death of a loved one but also stemming from other significant life changes. Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and adjustment that follows such losses. Both experiences can bring a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or even relief, which may feel overwhelming or confusing. Everyone’s journey through grief and bereavement is unique, with no “right” way to grieve or set timeline for healing.
Non-death loss
This refers to significant changes or endings that cause a sense of grief, even though they don't involve a physical death. Examples include the breakdown of relationships, loss of a job, health challenges, moving away from a familiar place, or unmet life expectations. These experiences can evoke feelings of sadness, confusion, and even isolation, as they are often less acknowledged by others.
Disenfranchised grief
This refers to a loss that is not openly acknowledged, socially supported, or publicly mourned. Examples include the loss of an ex-partner, a miscarriage, the death of a pet, or grief tied to a non-traditional relationship or identity. This type of grief can feel isolating, as societal norms may invalidate or overlook the significance of the loss.
Anticipatory grief
This is the emotional pain and mourning experienced in anticipation of a significant loss, often related to the terminal illness or decline of a loved one. This type of grief can involve a mix of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, guilt, and even hope, as you prepare for an inevitable change. It can be overwhelming to navigate these feelings while still trying to support or care for the person who is ill.
Complicated or prolonged grief
This is when feelings of loss remain intense and unresolved over an extended period, interfering with daily life and functioning. Unlike typical grief, which gradually lessens in intensity, complicated grief may involve persistent longing, difficulty accepting the loss, or feeling stuck in overwhelming sadness. It can also manifest as avoidance, guilt, or preoccupation with the deceased.
Pet bereavement
Pets are often cherished members of the family, providing unconditional love, comfort, and companionship. Their loss can leave a profound sense of emptiness and sadness that is sometimes misunderstood by others.
How can counselling help?
Counselling provides a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space to explore your feelings, process the pain of loss, and navigate life’s changes. It offers support in coping with grief, whether anticipatory, disenfranchised, or related to the loss of a loved one or pet, helping you make sense of your emotions, rebuild your sense of identity, and honour what matters most to you. Through this process, counselling can be an essential part of healing and finding ways to move forward.
Contact me to support you in honouring your loss, finding meaning, and building resilience as you navigate life after loss. Together, we can explore ways to adapt, develop coping strategies, and regain balance while moving forward at your own pace with compassion and understanding.