Grief therapy is a proven and effective method to help individuals navigate the complex process of grief. While grief is a natural human experience, sometimes people can become stuck in it, leading to complicated grief—a mental health issue. Grief therapy in Augusta is not about forcing you to move on, but rather about honoring the memory of your lost one while supporting you in living a fulfilling life.
In this initial stage, you may struggle to accept the reality of the loss. You may find yourself in a state of shock, feeling numb or disoriented. You also may have difficulty accepting what has happened, and keep expecting to “wake up” or have everything return to normal.
This stage can be confusing because it comes on suddenly and intensely. It's normal to experience anger when grieving. You might experience anger towards yourself, others, or the person you lost. This anger can often turn to guilt.
You may find yourself making deals or seeking ways to reverse the loss in this stage. You may think that if you just do one more thing, the person will come back. This stage can also include a lot of self-blame. You may find yourself bargaining with God or another higher power for something in exchange for your loved one's life.
Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness can characterize this stage. You may feel like your life has no purpose or direction. You may also experience guilt, regret, and loneliness in this stage.
This final stage involves coming to terms with the loss and finding a way to move forward. It does not mean forgetting, and sometimes the grief might resurface. Acceptance can take time, so don’t blame yourself if you need more time to grieve.
Grieving is a natural response to a loss, allowing us to process and readjust to life without our loved one. However, grief also affects the brain in negative ways, leading to damaging emotional and cognitive symptoms:
Grief not only impacts our emotional and cognitive well-being but also takes a toll on our physical health. Grief therapy in Augusta addresses the mind-body connection for holistic well-being. Physical manifestations of grief include:
Grief therapy is unique to each individual, which our grief therapists in Augusta will go over with you during your sessions. Different counseling approaches can support individuals in different ways. All of the counseling approaches used by Lifebulb are backed by research and are effective in treating grief and complicated grief. Here are some widely used techniques:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors, promoting healthier coping mechanisms for complicated grief. It is a great option for anyone stuck in complicated grief.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines elements of CBT with mindfulness practices, supporting individuals in managing intense emotions and improving overall well-being. It is a good grief therapy option for those experiencing intense emotions due to their grief.
Book a Session TodayInterpersonal Therapy
This approach focuses on improving communication and relationship skills, and addressing interpersonal challenges that may arise during the grieving process. It is normal to want to withdraw from social situations when you are grieving, but now is the time to lean into your support group.
Book a Session TodayMindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness practices help individuals develop awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of their emotions, reducing distress and promoting resilience. It provides coping mechanisms that can help people for years to come.
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