Healing through talking – the transformative power of grief and loss counselling

Grief is a deeply personal, often overwhelming experience that is unique to you. Whether it comes after the loss of a loved one, a relationship, loss of health, a job, house move or loss of a part of your identity, grief touches every part of our being – emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. And yet, even through grief is universal, and experienced by almost everyone at some stage of their lives, it often leaves us feeling lost and alone.

Why talking helps

When grief stays unspoken, it can become stuck inside us. The emotions – sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, numbness – swirl without direction. Talking creates movement. It helps to allow what has been held in, to come out safely which can lead to a feeling of relief and inner peace.
Science supports this. Grief activates the same parts of the brain as physical pain. It affects our nervous system, disrupts sleep, impairs concentration and can even mimic symptoms of depression or anxiety.. Sharing our grief in a therapeutic space helps regulate these responses. It soothes the nervous system, reduces emotional overload and fosters clarity and calm.

Understanding the many faces of grief

Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone. There are different types, and all are valid:-

• Anticipatory grief – a natural emotion that occurs before a loss, for example if a loved one has a terminal illness.
• Disenfranchised grief – grief that isn’t validated, understood or recognised by others which can make it difficult to openly grieve, for example the loss of a beloved pet
• Complicated grief – (also known as prolonged grief), the person can feel like they are stuck in an ongoing heightened state of mourning after many months or even years
• Cumulative grief – where a series of loses is experienced, each loss can compound the feeling of grief
• Secondary loss – the additonal changes that follow a primary loss, for example, loss of identity, loss of future dreams or loss of security.

Whatever form your grief takes, I’m here to help you make sense of it and move through it with compassion and courage.

A Journey toward feeling lighter and confidence

My approach is gently, attentive and rooted in the belief that every person carries the ability to heal, even when this can, at times, feel impossible.

Through counselling, I will help you to:

• Feel truly heard and understood
• Release pent up emotions in a safe space
• Explore your grief without fear of judgement
• Rediscover hope, resilience and confidence
• Learn to carry your memories with love, not just pain
• Learn coping strategies for today and the future

Dealing with grief isn’t about forgetting your person, or your loss, it’s about finding a way to live – even thrive – while still honouring, and remembering those we have lost. It’s about integrating grief into your story, not being overwhelmed by it.

You don’t have to walk this path alone

If you’re grieving, know that there is no ‘right’ way to do it – only your way, and you deserve support along that journey.  My practice is a space for you to speak, feel and heal.  Together we can find your path forward, one step at a time.