CS Lewis, in A Grief Observed, states,
For in grief, nothing “stays put.” One keeps on emerging from a phase, but it always recurs. Round and round. Everything repeats. Am I going in circles, or dare I hope I am on a spiral?
But if a spiral, am I going up or down it?
How often — will it be for always? — how often will the vast emptiness astonish me like a complete novelty and make me say, “I never realized my loss till this moment”? The same leg is cut off time after time.”
Anyone who has suffered a significant loss understands what he means. They have felt the spiral and often need help sorting it out. Grief is not only a response to the loss of a loved one. In grief counseling, we help people sort through all types of losses. The loss may be of a loved one, a hope or dream, an opportunity, or anything in our lives that we have desired and not received. The moment we recognize the loss can create intense feelings that leave us confused, depressed, or overwhelmed.
Loss of A Loved One
Whenever we lose someone we love, it is difficult. Often the circumstances around someone’s death can make grief more painful. There may be things that were said or never said or prior wounds from the relationship. We may experience entanglements when dealing with other family members’ needs. These can all bring additional challenges as we work through the loss.
Tragic or Untimely Death
Sometimes, an accident, illness, or even a tragic suicide can cause someone’s grief to be a monumental process to work through. Whenever a parent survives a child, the grief of the untimely death of that child is profound. Individuals and families working through these losses need support and sometimes trauma therapy to navigate their way out of these shocking losses.
Heartbreak
When a relationship ends, whether you chose for it to end or if you were left, then heartbreak occurs. These heartbreaks can sometimes overwhelm an individual and create places where you feel stuck. This situation keeps you from successfully moving on to a new relationship, letting go of the old relationship, or finding permanent healing.
Major Disappointments
Grief also comes upon us when we experience significant life disappointments. This can become another place where individuals get stuck or develop negative coping patterns and sometimes get trapped in bitterness.
We Can Help With Your Grief
No matter which situation you might find yourself in, we have therapists trained and equipped to walk you through your grief. They can point you to community resources, help you process your loss, and prevent getting stuck in years of unprocessed grief. We have therapists trained in processing traumas and therapists who have sat in your shoes as they worked through their own personal losses. They know how it feels. They have experienced unexpected depression and cried unwanted tears. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time in life and help you move forward toward hope and joy.
Please contact us to make an appointment and speak with one of our grief counselors.