“We can also find moments of comfort in positive reminiscences of the lost loved one. These positive states do more than propel us out of sadness; they also reconnect us to those around us. Laughter in particular has a contagious effect on other people, and in our research we’ve shown this to be true even during bereavement.”
– George A. Bonanno, The Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After Loss
After the death of a loved one or other devastating loss, it is normal to experience a period of grief. Grief doesn’t always feel normal, however. Some symptoms of grief are the same as symptoms of depression: feelings of intense sadness, insomnia, a reduced appetite, weight loss, and loneliness. If you are grieving a loss, you may feel depressed, empty, remorseful, overwhelmed by thoughts about the person or situation you lost, and confused about your future. You may be grappling with some existential questions, such as the true meaning of life or whether God really exists. Processing grief is a very personal journey that is unique to every person and every loss. Coping with a loss can be so painful that it leads many people to seek counseling for the first time. Grief can last longer than we think it “should,” leading friends and family to wonder why the grieving person cannot just “get over it.”
If you have experienced a loss and have reached a point where you feel stuck, or if your grief has lasted for longer than seems appropriate to the situation, I can help you get “unstuck” and guide you through your journey of grief. I will provide emotional support and respect your individual grief process as we talk about the loss you experienced. I can help you understand what the loss means to you, help you resolve any unfinished business you may have with the person or situation you lost, and help you re-create a meaningful, joyful life.