Understanding Grief and Loss

Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something deeply meaningful. While we often associate grief with the death of a loved one, it can also arise after the loss of a relationship, identity, job, home, health, or a sense of safety. Grief isn’t a single emotion; it can involve sadness, anger, numbness, guilt, confusion, or even relief. Everyone grieves differently, and there is no “right” timeline or way to feel.

Why Grief Can Feel Overwhelming

Loss can shake the foundation of how we see ourselves and the world. It can bring up questions about meaning, identity, or the future, and it may leave people feeling isolated or unsure of how to move forward. Some may feel pressure to “move on” quickly, while others might feel stuck in pain that doesn’t seem to ease. Grief isn’t something to fix; it’s something to be witnessed, supported, and gently integrated over time.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapists offer a compassionate space to process grief without judgment or pressure. In therapy, you can explore your emotions, share your story, and begin to make sense of the loss in a way that honours your experience. Therapy can also help with developing coping strategies, managing waves of emotion, and reconnecting with hope and meaning. While therapy won’t erase the pain of loss, it can support you in finding steadier ground as you adjust to life after it.