Iro Michael

Grief, Bereavement, and Loss Counseling

Coping with Life’s Transitions

Our compassionate therapists provide support and guidance to help you navigate through the difficult emotions and challenges that come with grief, bereavement, and loss.

Coping with Grief, Loss and Bereavement

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Life-Altering Loss

Grief is the emotional response to a loss of any kind, such as a relationship, job, or other significant change. Bereavement, on the other hand, is a type of grief that specifically relates to the death of a loved one. Loss, as a broader term, encompasses both grief and bereavement and refers to any significant change or transition in life that results in a sense of loss. Each experience of grief, bereavement and loss is unique and deeply personal, influenced by a variety of individual and societal factors.

Grief, loss, and bereavement are unavoidable parts of life that can deeply affect our emotional well-being and the way we navigate the world. Coping with the emotional toll of loss, can be a difficult and isolating experience, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and uncertain about how to move forward. It’s important to understand that everyone grieves differently and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating the journey of grief.

At times, grief can be all-consuming, making it difficult to concentrate, eat, or sleep. It can also trigger feelings of anger, sadness, confusion, and guilt. This is why seeking support from a therapist can be helpful in processing and understanding the many emotions that come with loss.

In therapy, we will explore your unique experience of grief and work to develop coping strategies that feel right for you. We will also examine how your loss has impacted your relationships, daily life, and sense of self. Together, we can find ways to honor the memory of what has been lost while also learning to navigate the future with hope and resilience.

Grief and Loss:
Healthy Ways to Heal

Understanding the Various Losses That Can Cause Grief

Any type of loss can cause grief. It is essential to understand that grief is a natural response to loss and that there are different types of loss that can trigger grief. The terms “grief” and “bereavement” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Grief is the emotional and psychological reaction to any loss, while bereavement is the response to the death of a loved one.

Grief, bereavement, and loss are powerful experiences that can transform our lives in profound ways. It is essential to recognize that grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Everyone grieves differently, and the intensity and duration of grief vary from person to person.

Here are some examples of losses that can cause grief:

  • Loss of a cherished dream
  • A relationship breakup
  • Loss of a friendship
  • Losing a job or financial stability
  • Death of a pet
  • A miscarriage or an abortion
  • A loved one’s serious illness or death
  • Loss of safety and security after a trauma
  • Loss of health

While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. If grief is expressed and experienced as a potential for healing, it can eventually strengthen and enrich our lives. When you are grieving, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself. The anxiety of a significant loss can quickly deplete your emotional reserves and energy. Therefore, looking after your physical and emotional needs, such as getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition, will help you get through this difficult time. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor can also be helpful in managing the grieving process.

How Therapy Can Help You Navigate Grief

Navigating the Grieving Process with the Support of Therapy

Grieving can be a challenging and overwhelming process, but therapy can help you navigate this difficult time. During therapy, you will be encouraged to identify and face your feelings and thoughts in a constructive and creative way. It’s important to acknowledge your pain and unresolved grief by avoiding, suppressing your feelings of sadness can lead to complications such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and other health issues.

Therapy can also help you make sense of what happened, derive meaning from it, and put it into a context. This can help you feel better and find ways to carry on the legacy of the person you lost.

Another important aspect of therapy is honoring your loss and making time to grieve without judging your thoughts and feelings. Judging yourself will only make things more difficult and prolong the healing process.

In addition to emotional support, therapy can also provide you with basic coping strategies for everyday life activities and the feelings that emerge during the grieving process. It’s important to remember that your mind and body are connected, so taking care of your physical health can also help you feel better emotionally.

Finally, therapy can help you plan ahead for grief “triggers” such as anniversaries and holidays that can reawaken memories and feelings. By being prepared for these emotional moments, you can navigate them more effectively and know that what you’re feeling is completely normal.

Overall, therapy can provide you with the support, tools, and strategies you need to navigate grief and find a way forward. If you’re struggling with grief, consider seeking the help of a therapist to guide you through this difficult time.

When to Contact a Grief Counselor or Professional Therapist

Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
During the Grieving Process

Grieving is a natural process, but it can be overwhelming and challenging at times. While most people are able to navigate their grief with the help of supportive friends and family members, others may require the help of a professional therapist or grief counselor. Here are some signs that it may be time to seek professional help during the grieving process:

  • Feelings of hopelessness and a belief that life isn’t worth living anymore
  • Numbness and disconnection from yourself or others
  • Thoughts of wishing you had died with your loved one
  • Blaming yourself for the loss or feeling guilty for failing to prevent it
  • Difficulty trusting others since your loss
  • Inability to perform daily activities and fulfill responsibilities

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek the help of a professional therapist or grief counselor. They can provide you with the support, guidance, and tools you need to navigate your grief in a healthy and productive way. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and it’s okay to ask for support during this difficult time.

Navigating Emotional Recovery After Abortion

Coping with Disenfranchised Grief and Finding Support

If you’ve had an abortion and feel like you haven’t emotionally recovered from it, you’re not alone. Many women struggle with how to deal with their grief and move on after making this difficult decision. However, one common experience that can arise after an abortion is disenfranchised grief, which is when an individual grieves in silence due to a lack of acknowledgement or validation from others.

Disenfranchised grief can be incredibly isolating and cause individuals to feel like they don’t have the “right to grieve” their loss. This can lead to depression, which may manifest in small periods of sadness or more severe episodes of depressive symptoms. Unprocessed grief can also cause people to experience anger without realizing the source of their emotions.

It’s essential to recognize the connection between your depression and unprocessed grief surrounding your abortion to begin the healing process. Seeking support from a professional therapist who specializes in post-abortion counseling can help you understand and cope with your emotions. Counseling can also help you identify and process any feelings of guilt or shame you may be experiencing.

Additionally, support groups and online forums can provide a safe and supportive environment to share your experiences and connect with others who have been through similar situations. Talking about your experience with people who understand what you’re going through can help you feel less alone and more validated in your grief.

It’s important to remember that healing after an abortion takes time, and there’s no “right” way to feel or grieve. Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this process. With the right support and tools, it’s possible to move forward and find a sense of peace and closure.