Grief and Loss Therapy

Has the loss of something or someone significant in your life been too difficult to navigate on your own?

The term “grief” or “loss” is often applied to the process of losing someone to death or dying. Grief can take many forms, and here at Brookhaven, we normalize grief that is attached to many forms of loss - a pet, the loss of physical ability, loss of a house, job or romantic partnership. Losing something or someone important to us is one of the most painful emotional experiences we will undergo in our lives. It can cause uncertainty, overwhelming sadness and a loss of identity.

Complicated Grief

Many people talk about complicated grief, but what exactly does that mean? Therapists usually define complicated grief as the situation where the feelings of overwhelming sadness do not subside, even after a lengthy period of time. While it is normal to experience grief after a significant loss, complicated grief occurs when these feelings persist for an extended period, often for six months or more, and interfere with daily life. People with complicated grief may experience a variety of symptoms, such as difficulty accepting the loss, feeling detached from others, experiencing intense anger or guilt, and having persistent thoughts of the deceased. The person does not move through the expected phases of grief, and the unceasing lingering feelings prevent the person from being able to return to a healthy life.

Therapy is a crucial component of treatment for complicated grief. A therapist can provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to process their emotions and work through their grief. The type of therapy that is recommended may vary depending on the individual's specific needs and preferences. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach used to treat complicated grief. This type of therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to the individual's symptoms. CBT may involve techniques such as cognitive restructuring, which helps individuals challenge and change negative thoughts, and exposure therapy, which involves gradually facing and processing difficult emotions related to the loss.

What can Grief and Loss Therapy address?

• Grief of the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling or friend

• Grief of the death of a pet

• Losing a job or house

• Losing a romantic partnership

• Traumatic loss of someone you knew

• A significant physical ailment

• A significant loss of body functioning

• Loss of the cognitive ability of a loved one to dementia, Alzhiemer’s or brain injury

“Grief therapy allows the person to process and confront the emotions that go along with the painful experience of a loss. This results in the person feeling more in control, more accepting and more at peace”.

What does Grief Therapy look like?

Grief therapy is often looked at as something that will be hard and therefore many people avoid scheduling themselves this opportunity. Yes, it can be difficult to confront your feelings, however, our brains can do wonderful things when we allow ourselves to process difficult and/or traumatic events in our life. Our brains learn that it’s OKAY to feel complicated emotions, and ultimately teach ourselves that we can handle it.

Grief therapy can go at whatever pace works for you. Some people like to take it slow. Your therapist will likely provide daily tips and strategies to ensure self-care is high in this period of your life. They will also protect time and space to talk about your loss, and collaborate with you in identifying the specific emotions you are experiencing. A therapist will offer suggestions on how to honour the lost person or thing, while moving forward in a meaningful way. You can feel well again.

Grief Therapy at Brookhaven

Our therapists will hold a non-judgmental space for you and work towards the common goals that you set up in respect to your specific situation with grief or bereavement. Contact us today to schedule a session with a certified therapist.