Working with Loss and Grief

 

Grief is a journey. It can be frightening, painful, overwhelming and lonely. It is a process of feeling the reality of the loss, readjusting to a different way of living and redefining yourself and the world around you. Each of us grieve in our own unique way. There are no time limits to the process, no quick fixes nor will ignoring your grief make it go away. It is important to find expression to your feelings. If they go unacknowledged or unattended they can result in disability. But grief that is expressed and experienced has a potential for healing that eventually can strengthen and enrich your life. 
     
The single most important factor in healing from loss is having the support of other people. Even if you aren't comfortable talking about your feelings normally, it is important to talk about them when you are grieving Knowing that others know and understand your grieving will make you feel better, less alone with your pain and will help you heal. There is no right or wrong way to grieve but there are ways to make your grieving more complete and positive. This is where I can help support you and your loved ones. It is important to have someone who will listen without judgment, who can encourage and acknowledge all of your emotions, and who will support you as you move towards a sense of purpose and meaning. 

 

Normal Grief versus Traumatic Grief

 

While trauma always incorporates grief, the two states are very different in how you experience them and what effect they can have on you, Grief is a normal reaction to loss, with its symptoms diminishing over time. On the other hand, Traumatic Grief is a disabling reaction that can block the grieving process, disrupt your life, and leave you psychologically vulnerable due to complicated circumstances surrounding the death (suicide, murder, accidents). 
If you are coping with a traumatic loss, you may want to seek professional help by giving me a call at 202.265.2343 or email me .