Grief and Loss Work

Grief is Unique to You.

Grief work is the process of actively engaging with and processing grief after experiencing a loss. It involves acknowledging and expressing emotions, making sense of the loss, and finding ways to adapt to life without what was lost—whether that’s a person, a relationship, a dream, or an aspect of identity.

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people cry daily, while others feel numb for months before emotions surface. Some find comfort in talking, while others withdraw. However it shows up, grief is valid—and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Key Aspects of Grief Work

Recognizing & Accepting the Loss
- This includes acknowledging the reality of the loss and allowing yourself to feel the emotions that come with it, whether that’s sadness, anger, guilt, or relief.
Processing Emotions
- Grief is not just sadness—it can be a complex mix of emotions, and grief work helps you explore and express those feelings in a safe and constructive way.
Finding Meaning & Making Sense of the Loss
- Many people struggle with the “why” of loss. Grief work can involve making meaning out of what happened, integrating the loss into your life story, and understanding how it shapes your future.
Adjusting to a New Reality
- After loss, life doesn’t go “back to normal”—instead, it changes. Grief work helps you adjust to this new reality, redefine roles and expectations, and develop coping strategies for moving forward.
Rebuilding & Finding Connection
- Grief work isn’t about “getting over” a loss—it’s about finding a way to carry it while still engaging in life. This might involve creating rituals to honor the loss, building new relationships, or finding new sources of meaning and joy.

What Grief Feels Like

Grief is a deeply personal and often unpredictable experience that can affect you emotionally, physically, mentally, and even spiritually. It doesn’t follow a straight path, and it can come in waves—sometimes feeling manageable, other times overwhelming.

Sadness & Sorrow – A deep, aching sadness that can feel heavy and all-encompassing.
Anger – Feeling frustrated, resentful, or even enraged at the loss, circumstances, or those involved.
Guilt – Regret over things left unsaid or undone, or feeling responsible in some way.
Anxiety & Fear – Worry about the future, fear of more loss, or uncertainty about how to move forward.
Numbness & Disconnection – Feeling detached from emotions, people, or everyday life.
Relief – Sometimes, grief includes relief, especially if the loss followed suffering, a difficult relationship, or a long period of distress.
Exhaustion & Fatigue – Feeling drained, heavy, or unable to muster energy.
Tightness in the Chest or Throat – A sensation of pressure, discomfort, or even difficulty breathing.
Aches & Pains – Headaches, stomach aches, or general physical discomfort.
Changes in Appetite – Eating much more or much less than usual.
Sleep Disruptions – Insomnia, restlessness, or wanting to sleep all the time.
Forgetfulness & Difficulty Concentrating – Feeling scattered or struggling to complete everyday tasks.
Intrusive Thoughts – Reliving memories or regrets over and over again.
Disbelief & Denial – Feeling like the loss isn’t real or expecting life to go back to the way it was.
Questioning Life’s Meaning – Wondering why this happened and struggling with the fairness of life.
Changes in Faith or Beliefs – Feeling disconnected from previously held beliefs or seeking new perspectives.
Searching for Signs or Connection – Finding comfort in feeling a continued bond with what was lost.

How Therapy Can Help with Grief Work

Provides a safe space to process emotions without judgment.
Offers tools for managing overwhelming feelings.
Helps navigate complicated grief, including feelings of guilt, regret, or unresolved issues.
Supports the development of new routines and coping strategies.
Guides individuals in finding meaning and connection after loss.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and everyone experiences it differently. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, an unmet expectation, or a life transition, therapy can help you move through it in a way that honors your experience and supports your healing.

What to Expect After Working Through Your Grief in Therapy

Grief never fully “goes away,” but therapy can help you process it in a way that allows you to move forward with more peace, clarity, and resilience. After working through your grief, you may experience:

Greater Emotional Stability

Fewer emotional ups and downs, with less overwhelming sadness or anger.
The ability to experience joy without guilt or feeling like you're betraying your loss.

A New Relationship with Your Loss

Shifting from deep pain to a sense of remembrance and connection.
Finding ways to honor what (or who) was lost without feeling stuck in grief.

Renewed Sense of Purpose

Clarity on how to move forward while carrying your loss in a healthy way.
A deeper understanding of yourself and your ability to cope with difficult emotions.

Strengthened Coping Skills

Feeling more equipped to handle future losses or life transitions.
Developing healthy ways to manage emotions rather than avoiding them.

Reconnection with Life & Relationships

More energy and presence in daily life, work, and relationships.
The ability to engage in meaningful activities without feeling weighed down by grief.

Acceptance & Meaning-Making

A sense of acceptance—not necessarily "moving on," but moving forward with a new perspective.
The ability to integrate your loss into your life story in a way that feels meaningful.

Grief therapy isn’t about forgetting—it’s about healing. It helps you find a way to live fully while still honoring your loss, allowing you to embrace life with hope and resilience.