Bereavement and Grief

Bereavement is a common devastating experience and one of the most painful and stressful life events. Bereavement is the process of recovering from the death of a loved one. Grief is a reaction to any form of loss. Feelings of loss are common following divorce/separation, miscarriage or fertility difficulties, abortion, redundancy or trauma. Both bereavement and grief comprise a range of feelings from deep sadness to anger. Occasionally there are no emotions, there is only numbness. Some people find it difficult to cope with their loss and believe they will never be happy again. Loneliness and isolation are also common feelings after loss.

Although grief is a normal reaction to loss, everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time.

Common symptoms of Bereavement and Grief

Feelings of anger, shock, relief, guilt, sadness, fear and anxiety
Physical symptoms including exhaustion, tightness in chest area or throat, breathlessness, lack of energy or feeling weak
Confusing thoughts, preoccupation, feeling stuck in the grief
Disturbed sleeping and eating patterns, crying, withdrawing socially

How therapy can help with Bereavement and Grief:

Therapy offers a warm, empathic, safe and confidential space in which we can collaboratively work towards:

Working through and acknowledging the many painful feelings associated with your loss
Adjusting to the new reality of the loss
Coping with the stressors associated with your loss
Helping to accommodate the loss enabling you to carry on with your life