Grief & Loss
"BEYOND ABSENCE"
GRIEF THERAPY IN EDMONTON
At Nova Psychology in Edmonton, we extend compassionate and professional therapy services to assist individuals in managing and navigating the complex emotions associated with loss and grief. Our dedicated team of therapists understands that the journey through grief is unique for each person, and we provide a safe and supportive space for clients to express their feelings and memories. Through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, our clinicians work collaboratively with individuals to help them process grief, cope with the profound changes that accompany loss, and find a path toward healing. Whether the loss is related to a loved one, a significant life transition, or any form of personal grief, our clinic is committed to offering tailored support to guide individuals on their journey to rebuilding and rediscovering a sense of peace and resilience. At Nova Psychology, we strive to provide empathetic and personalized care to help individuals navigate the challenging terrain of grief and emerge with renewed strength and a greater capacity for healing.
SYMPTOMS OF grief
- Sadness: Feeling deep sorrow or sadness is a common and expected emotion during grief.
- Shock and Disbelief: Initially, there may be a sense of shock or disbelief, especially if the loss was sudden or unexpected.
- Anger: Grieving individuals may experience anger directed towards themselves, others, or even the situation that led to the loss.
- Guilt: Feelings of guilt or regret, often related to unresolved issues or things left unsaid, can be part of the grieving process.
- Denial: Some individuals may initially deny the reality of the loss as a way to cope with the overwhelming emotions.
- Numbness: Feeling emotionally numb or detached from reality is a common response to protect oneself from the intensity of emotions.
- Physical Symptoms: Grief can manifest physically, leading to symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, changes in appetite, or general aches and pains.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Grieving individuals often find it challenging to concentrate or focus on tasks, as their minds are preoccupied with the loss.
- Social Withdrawal: Grief can lead to a desire for solitude or withdrawal from social activities as individuals process their emotions.
- Crying Spells: Frequent or uncontrollable crying spells are a natural expression of the deep emotional pain associated with grief.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns are common during the grieving process.
- Memory and Cognitive Changes: Grieving individuals may experience difficulties with memory and cognitive functions, such as forgetfulness or difficulty making decisions.
BENEFITS OF GRIEF COUNSELLING
- Emotional Support: Grief counselling offers a safe and empathetic space for individuals to express their emotions, providing a supportive environment during a difficult time.
- Validation of Feelings: Counsellors help individuals recognize and validate the range of emotions they may be experiencing, normalizing the grieving process.
- Coping Strategies: Grief counsellors provide practical coping strategies to help individuals navigate the challenges of grief, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
- Understanding the Grieving Process: Grief counselling helps individuals understand the stages of grief and the variability in the grieving process, empowering them to navigate their unique journey.
- Preventing Complications: Grief counselling can help identify signs of complicated grief or other mental health concerns, allowing for early intervention and support.
- Addressing Unresolved Issues: Counsellors assist individuals in addressing unresolved issues or conflicts related to the loss, promoting a healthier and more complete grieving process.
BENEFITS OF GRIEF COUNSELLING
- Promoting Self-Care: Grief counselling emphasizes the importance of self-care, helping individuals develop strategies to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being.
- Connection and Validation: Connecting with a grief counsellor provides a non-judgmental and validating relationship, offering a sense of connection during a time of isolation or loneliness.
- Encouraging Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Counsellors guide individuals in adopting healthy coping mechanisms and avoiding potentially harmful behaviors as they navigate grief.
- Facilitating Adjustment to Life Changes: Grief counselling assists individuals in adjusting to life changes resulting from the loss, whether they be practical or emotional adjustments.
- Support for Complicated Grief: For those experiencing complicated grief or prolonged mourning, grief counseling offers specialized support to address more persistent and challenging aspects of grief.
- Providing a Safe Space: Grief counselling provides a confidential and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their feelings, thoughts, and memories associated with the loss.
- Family and Relationship Support: Grief counselling can extend to include family or couples counseling, addressing the impact of loss on relationships and fostering mutual understanding and support.
MANAGING GRIEF IN THERAPY
Managing grief symptoms through therapeutic modalities involves a personalized and holistic approach to help individuals navigate the complex emotional landscape of loss. Therapists may employ various evidence-based modalities, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to foster mindfulness and acceptance, and Psychodynamic Therapy to explore underlying emotions. Expressive therapies like art or music therapy can provide alternative channels for emotional expression. Group therapy offers a supportive community, while grief-specific interventions, such as Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT), target persistent symptoms. Integrating these modalities allows therapists to tailor their approach, helping clients develop coping strategies, find meaning in their grief, and gradually move towards a place of healing and adjustment.