Counseling for Grief
The loss of a loved one is the most difficult experience that we can endure. The pain of grief can feel outright unbearable. Our identity and purpose are informed by those closest to us, and loss can rupture these ties, leaving us uncertain of whether we can move forward let alone feel happiness again. Those individuals closest to us know us better than anyone. They know our history, beliefs, and daily habits, providing a context for deep understanding. It’s terrible to realize, in the wake of a loss, that nobody may know us in such a deep way again. If you have been through a loss like this, you may be struggling with profound feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. As a result, you may also be having difficulty remaining engaged with others, instead of becoming more and more isolated over time.
Grief Comes in Many Forms
In addition to losing those close to us through death, the loss of intimate relationships (through the form of breakups, separations, and divorce) can evoke many of these same feelings and are actually a common predictor of suicidal thoughts and actions. Therefore, it is imperative that those struggling with such thoughts and feelings reach out for help rather than ignore or minimize their pain.
Here’s the Truth About Loss
The truth is that nobody can replace the person or relationship you’ve lost and that life will never be the same without them. Yet, this does not mean that hope is impossible, or that meaning, purpose, and connectedness are not feasible. It does mean that life is forcing an enormous transition upon you and that support, compassion, and caring are paramount at this time.
I often hear from grieving clients that to move forward, make new plans, and set new goals, would be to dishonor the memory of the deceased. The mere notion of looking ahead leaves them feeling guilty. I am quick to challenge this notion, however. For instance, would you want your loved ones to put their lives on permanent hold should you precede them in death? I very much doubt it, as I very much doubt that your deceased loved one would expect that of you. The truth is that moving forward can lead to honoring their memory in your daily acts. Isolation doesn’t achieve that.
Counseling for Grief in Cincinnati, OH Can Help All Different Kinds of Grief
Some forms of loss are particularly sudden and traumatic, such as a loss through suicide, homicide, overdose, and accidents. In addition to grief, these types of traumatic incidents can often result in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Thankfully, there are effective approaches that help. These include many of the evidence-based approaches for treating PTSD that I specialize in providing. I have years of experience treating these types of issues.
Can Counseling for Grief Really Reduce the Pain and Grief I am Experiencing?
You might wonder whether anything can be done to actually lessen your pain, whether therapy can realistically aid in such a seemingly insurmountable task. To that, I would respond with a distinction: the difference between pain versus suffering. Grief therapists and spiritual leaders often advise that pain is inevitable. In other words, we will experience some form of it every day no matter who we are. When we refuse to accept our pain, however, this creates suffering, which compounds our problems and makes an already difficult situation that much harder. Coming to an acceptance that our loved one or relationship is gone is a very hard, difficult process, and one you should not go alone. By allowing for care and support and gradually accepting that a loss has occurred, positions us to diminish suffering and look for ways to inject purpose and meaning back into our lives.
Ready to Get Started with Grief Counseling in Cincinnati, OH?
Grieving is of course an intensely personal process, and certainly, you want to ensure that your grief therapist fits your personality and needs well. I welcome you to reach out for a free consultation to see for yourself if I feel like the right support for you. When you’re ready to get started at Ascend Psychological Services in Cincinnati, OH, follow these simple steps:
Meet with your skilled and caring grief therapist
Start holding space and processing the emotions you’re dealing with.
Other Services at Ascend Psychological Services
Processing grief takes time, but with a helping hand, you can begin to find a new normal. If counseling for grief is not what you’re seeking at my Cincinnati. OH, counseling practice I offer additional services. This includes PTSD treatment and trauma therapy, insomnia treatment, psychological assessments, grief counseling, depression treatment, online therapy in Ohio. Additionally, I offer CBT therapy, prolonged exposure, written exposure therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and person-centered approaches. When you’re ready to begin services, I am here to support you.