Grief therapy is more than just a way of moving on—it is an effective way of helping individuals honor the memory of their lost ones, and navigate through the process of grief. Complicated grief is a mental health issue that occurs when the stages of grief become prolonged and detrimental to daily living and mental health. A licensed grief therapist in Allentown can help you move past grief and toward healing.
Book a SessionDenial is often the initial stage of grief where individuals may struggle to accept the reality of the loss. It is a defense mechanism that helps protect us from overwhelming emotions. During this stage, it may be difficult to believe or fully comprehend that our loved one is no longer with us.
In the bargaining stage of grief, individuals may attempt to negotiate or make deals in an effort to reverse or alter the outcome of the loss. We often find ourselves questioning "What if?", and seeking ways to regain control or bring back what we have lost. It is also common to experience feelings of guilt during this stage.
When the reality of the loss sinks in, individuals may enter the stage of depression. Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loneliness become more pronounced during this stage. It is natural to mourn the absence of our loved one and feel a deep void in our lives. Grief therapy in Allentown can help navigate these intense emotions and prevent them from becoming debilitating.
Anger is a common emotion experienced in grief. It may be directed both internally and externally, towards oneself, others, or even the deceased. We may feel anger at the unfairness of the loss or resentment towards the person who has left us. Engaging in anger management techniques and seeking professional guidance can help channel this emotion constructively.
Acceptance is not about forgetting or moving on, but rather about coming to terms with the reality of the loss and acknowledging that our loved one is no longer physically present. Acceptance does not mean we stop missing them or that the pain disappears entirely. Instead, it signifies a point in the grief journey where we begin to find meaning, create new routines, and rebuild our lives.
Grief is a natural process that allows individuals to readjust to life without their loved ones. However, the experience of grieving can present certain cognitive and emotional symptoms such as:
The stress of grieving can impact your physical health. Grief therapy at Lifebulb is not only about healing the mind, but also supporting the body that is experiencing the impact of loss.
Grief therapy in Allentown is unique to the individual, and will be discussed further with a licensed grief therapist. At Lifebulb, we offer several counseling approaches to address complicated grief. Each method is backed by credible research and is tailored to support each individual through their unique journey of healing. Some of these techniques include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Allentown is a practical and goal-oriented method that aims to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. This approach is effective at supporting those who are struggling with intrusive thoughts or anxiety or fear related to their loss.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Allentown focuses on improving emotional regulation skills and behaviors. This approach can be particularly helpful for those struggling with complicated grief and depressive thoughts.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy focuses on relationship patterns within your life. Since many people who are grieving also experience isolation or social withdrawal, this approach is helpful to those who need to address the way their relationships are affected by their grief.
Book a Session TodayMindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy focuses on present-focused experiences of emotions and sensations, allowing for greater emotional processing and regulation. It can help you feel grounded when grief feels overwhelming and provides you with coping skills to manage intense emotions.
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