Grief therapy is a proven and effective way to help individuals move through the process of grief. While grief is a natural human experience, some people may get stuck in it, leading to complicated grief, which is a mental health issue. In Woodstock, Grief therapy is not about forcing you to move on, but rather, it helps you honor the memory of your lost loved one while supporting you in living a fulfilling life.
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Initially, it may be challenging to accept the reality of the loss. You may feel as though there must be some mistake, or that you will wake up and everything will go back to normal. This stage is often accompanied by feelings of shock, numbness, and disbelief. You may have trouble understanding why this has happened and how it impacts your life.
Feelings of anger and resentment are common during grief. You may find yourself feeling angry with the person who died, or at yourself for not preventing the loss. You might also feel angry at your loved ones for “not understanding” or making it worse by adding stress to you. The anger felt in this stage often stems from feelings of frustration and helplessness.
Some individuals may attempt to negotiate or make deals in their minds. The bargaining stage may be characterized by “if only” scenarios, such as: “If only I had done something different…” or “If only I had been there…” This kind of thinking can lead to feelings of guilt and responsibility.
A deep sadness and sense of emptiness can accompany grief. It may be difficult to get out of bed, you may feel hopeless and unable to see any point in life. You might also find yourself crying a lot, feeling numb, or losing interest in things that used to bring you pleasure.
Over time, you begin to find peace and acceptance with your loss. You realize that you cannot change the past, but that you can find ways to move forward. While you may still have painful memories of their loss, you don’t let these memories keep you from living a full life.
Grieving is a necessary process that allows us to process a loss and readjust to life without our loved ones. During grief, the brain experiences various emotional and cognitive symptoms, including:
Grief not only affects our emotional well-being but can also have a significant impact on our physical health. Some ways grief can affect the body include:
Grief treatment is unique to each individual, and a licensed grief therapist in Woodstock will help determine the most suitable approach for your specific needs. Some of the counseling approaches commonly used in grief therapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It can help individuals manage complicated grief by addressing negative thinking patterns and providing coping strategies.
Book a Session TodayDialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines elements of CBT with skills to regulate emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. It can be effective in helping individuals navigate the complex emotions associated with grief.
Book a Session TodayInterpersonal Therapy
This therapy focuses on improving communication skills and enhancing relationships. It can help individuals navigate the changes in their relationships after experiencing a loss.
Book a Session TodayMindfulness-based therapy
Mindfulness-based approaches promote present-moment awareness and acceptance. They can be helpful for individuals experiencing overwhelming emotions and thoughts related to grief.
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