Grief And Loss

A helpful framework for understanding grief is the five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Denial is often the first stage, where individuals struggle to accept the reality of the loss. Anger follows, where frustration and resentment may surface. In the bargaining stage, individuals may seek ways to regain control or prevent the loss from feeling so final. Depression is the stage where the deep sadness of loss is most strongly felt, and finally, acceptance involves coming to terms with the loss and learning how to live with it. It’s important to note that these stages aren’t always experienced in a neat, linear order; people may revisit certain stages multiple times throughout their journey.

While grief is an intensely painful process, it is also a journey toward healing. My approach in counseling is to help clients navigate their unique grief experiences, validating their emotions while offering guidance on healthy ways to cope. Whether a person feels stuck in one stage or overwhelmed by the unpredictable nature of grief, our work together focuses on creating a safe space for those feelings to be expressed and processed. Over time, individuals can learn to live with it in a way that honors both their loss and the life they continue to lead.