Death, Loss & Grief

We have all had experiences with grief and loss, some tragic, some profound, and some transformational.

Most of these experiences will break your heart open.

Tears shed.
Empty tissue boxes.
Prayers whispered.
Prayers yelled out.
Curses.
Lots of curses.
Hands held.
Hugs so tight you think you won’t breathe.
Deep breaths.
Touch.
Memories.
Stories shared.
Laugher (yes laughter).
Smiles with tears.

Grief is universal, yet deeply personal. Each experience of loss transforms us in unique ways through tears, whispered prayers, tight embraces, and yes—even unexpected laughter.

The Journey of Loss

We humans are remarkable in our complexity. While we share common emotions—pain, joy, sadness, love—our individual experiences shape how we process loss. Death is our shared destination, though we each walk our own path toward it.

When to Seek Grief Counseling

Consider professional support when:

  • Daily functioning becomes difficult

  • Grief feels overwhelming or unchanging after months

  • You're experiencing thoughts of self-harm

  • Relationships or work are significantly impacted

  • You feel isolated or misunderstood

  • Substance use increases to cope

  • Sleep or appetite changes persist

  • You need help processing complicated emotions

Signs Your Grief May Need Support

Physical symptoms:

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Unexplained pain

  • Changes in sleep patterns

  • Loss of appetite or emotional eating

  • Physical tension or anxiety

Emotional indicators:

  • Persistent numbness

  • Uncontrollable anger

  • Inability to experience joy

  • Overwhelming guilt

  • Difficulty accepting the loss

How Grief Counseling Helps

Professional support offers:

  • Safe space to express all emotions

  • Tools for managing intense feelings

  • Help maintaining connections while grieving

  • Strategies for self-care

  • Guidance through life transitions

  • Understanding of grief's impact on relationships

  • Support in creating new meaning

Common Challenges in Grief

  • Managing others' expectations of your grief

  • Navigating significant dates and holidays

  • Handling physical reminders

  • Balancing grieving and daily responsibilities

  • Making decisions about belongings

  • Dealing with secondary losses

  • Processing unfinished business

The Healing Journey

Death can be our most profound teacher. Each life, each story, holds meaning. Through loss, we learn about love, resilience, and our capacity for transformation. While grief may feel like a wild, untameable force, it carries us toward healing in its own time.

Your grief is valid. Your process is personal. And support is available when you need it.