Grief and loss are an unavoidable part of life
Grief refers to your reactions to any form of loss, which can range from a deep sadness to anger, guilt, yearning, regret and a sense of relief. Bereavement, on the other hand, is specifically related to the process of recovering from the death of a loved one.
There is no right or wrong way to experience grief, and no “correct” amount of time you should grieve. For some, the process takes months. For others, it can take years. Everyone’s healing process is different, and it’s completely normal for a small amount of grief to be with you forever.
Do I need grief counseling?
Grief counseling can help you when your self-healing process seems to have stalled. Typically, if your grief has not tempered after a year, or if your feelings are interfering with your work or life, it might be time to consider grief counseling.
Other signs you may need grief counseling include:
- Intense sadness
- Longing or yearning
- Feelings of emptiness or meaninglessness
- Difficulty engaging in happy memories
- Avoiding any reminders of the departed
- Preoccupation with the deceased
- Preoccupation with the circumstances surrounding their death
- Lack of desire in your personal interests
- Bitterness or anger
How does grief counseling work in San Francisco?
Our compassionate therapists will help you understand what particular thoughts, events or actions activate your grief. A treatment plan might include traditional individual therapy, meditation, relaxation, reflection, memory sharing or group work.
When the loss involves a family member, it’s often helpful to engage in couples counseling or family counseling. Many people find peace when sharing their thoughts, memories and feelings in a safe, loving and guided setting.
