Over the course of a lifetime, most will experience bereavement, due to some type of loss. Grief is the emotion that stems from the difficulty of loss. One of the most painful types of loss is the death of a loved one; though, death is not the only kind of loss that can lead to grief. A loss can be a death, but can also be the loss of independence or physical ability, loss of a job or a home, or the ending of an important or significant relationship, just to name a few. Grief is an appropriate and natural reaction to loss. Grief is a universal, yet profoundly personal experience. Not all people will grieve in the same way, or for the same length of time.

Grief can present differently, depending on the person, their cultural norms, and other variables. Some people may feel a sense of numbness or disbelief, and have a hard time accepting the loss, as it’s just too painful. Anger, guilt, and shock can be typical reactions to loss, as well as feelings of profound sadness and depression. Depending on how overwhelming a person’s sense of grief is, they could find themselves unable to function as they did before the loss. Due to the complexity of grief, some people may find that they have a very difficult time engaging in things they used to do. Examples of this could be: inability to go to work, difficulty meeting the demands of day-to-day life (such as household chores), having a hard time managing emotions, and keeping up with social obligations.

In some cases, bereavement can become persistent and complex, and differs from what might be considered “normal” grief patterns. Friends and family of the person bereaving can find it difficult, or even uncomfortable, to know what to say and do when a person is grieving. Grief is not easy for anyone. No matter the time that has lapsed, therapy can be a helpful support for a person who is grieving. Therapy for grief is a process aimed at helping individuals cope with the emotions and challenges that can result after experiencing a significant loss.

During therapy for grief, individuals are provided a safe and understanding environment to explore and express their feelings. The primary goal is to help them navigate through the various stages of grief. It's important to note that grief therapy is not about "getting over" the loss, but rather learning to integrate it into one's life in a way that allows for healing and growth. The pain of grief can be incredibly hard to heal from; though, healing is possible. The goal is not “moving on,” rather, finding a way to move forward.

Therapists work with clients to create a life story that honors the memory of the deceased, acknowledges the impact of the loss, and helps the individual move forward with a sense of purpose and meaning. It provides a clinical and supportive healing space for individuals to process their emotions, develop coping strategies, and find a sense of hope and resilience.