SUPPORT DURING BEREAVEMENT, GRIEF & LOSS

GRIEF CAN BE EXPERIENCED WHEN WE LOSE SOMEONE, OR SOMETHING, CLOSE TO US

This can be the death of a loved one, separation or divorce, the loss of a sense of safety or predictability, physical incapacity through disability, or the loss of one’s home or community due to disaster1.

Even moving away from one’s family and friends or having an ‘empty nest’ when children leave home can lead to feelings of grief and loss. Death and loss are an inevitable part of life; shock, numbness, anger and sadness can form part of the natural grieving process.

People can cope with grief and loss in a variety of ways. Some people may find it helpful to talk openly about their experience of loss, whilst others might prefer time alone. The intensity and duration of the grieving process can also differ between individuals. For most people, the experience of grief will dominate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours for a number of weeks or months.

Over time most individuals learn to cope with their grief and go about their daily lives. For many the loss will remain a part of them.2 Most people who experience loss will not need professional help, however some (approximately 10 to 20%) seek and require professional support.3

Bereavement Grief Loss Counselling

SYMPTOMS OF LOSS

At some point in our lives, we have to face the heartache of losing someone, or something we care deeply about. We may have a range of responses such as sadness, anger, guilt and remorse, anxiety, loneliness, helplessness, shock and disbelief, a sense of yearning or relief.

There could be confusion, difficulty concentrating, preoccupation with the loss, a loss of interest in enjoyable activities and vivid dreams or nightmares.

There can also be physical and behavioural responses such as: muscle tightness, tiredness/reduced energy, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, changes in appetite, crying, restlessness, avoiding places or people who remind the individual of the loss, and treasuring objects that are associated with the loss.

In some instances there can be substantial changes to a person’s spiritual or philosophical views and beliefs. In the midst of grief people may question their faith or the meaning of life.

For people who experience prolonged or complicated grief reactions, psychological treatments and strategies can be of great benefit.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES THROUGH KRISTINA CHALLANDS

Counselling can be a helpful way of coming to terms with loss. Whether it is the death of a loved one, redundancy or moving home, Kristina can help you through the grieving process, by holding a space for you, by helping you to deal with the painful and confusing emotions, by working with you to accept the loss and make the relevant adjustments, and to develop your individual coping mechanisms for grief and loss.

Kristina can offer you a space to explore your feelings in a confidential and safe environment and can support you, either on a short or long-term basis, through this difficult time.

Call Samford 0487 480 120 or complete our online booking form to make an appointment with Kristina Challands to begin the process of working through your bereavement or loss.

1. Shader, R. I., & Ury, W. A. (2003). Bereavement reactions and grief. In Richard I. Shader (Ed.), Manual of Psychiatric Therapeutics (3rd ed., pp. 220-228). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers.
2. Wittouck, C., Van Autreve, S., De Jaegere, E., Portzky, G., & van Heeringen, K. (2011). The prevention and treatment of complicated grief: a meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(1), 69-78.
3. Lobb, E. A., Kristjanson, L. J., Aoun, S. M., Monterosso, L., Halkett, G. K., & Davies, A. (2010). Predictors of complicated grief: A systematic review of empirical studies. Death Studies, 34(8), 673-698.

Get in Touch

Call 0487 480 120 
Book an appointment online

Kristina Challands Psychologist

Get in Touch

Call 0487 480 120

Book An Appointment Online

Kristina Challands Psychologist

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