Grief & Loss Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe

Grief & Loss Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe:

Loss: Lost your job, your home, a loved one, a beloved pet? There are many forms of loss, and all are felt individually on a very personal level. Loss is being deprived of something or someone you once had a strong connection to. It can have a profound effect on your life. It can stop you from socializing, blind you to other interests, and take you emotionally away from those who love you. It can impact your job, your home, your finances, and your relationships. It is a real emotion that can run deep.

You may feel the loss physically and emotionally, like something is missing. Perhaps you begin to worry about others affected by the loss or feel an emptiness deep inside. You may begin to suffer physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal upset, anxiety, sleeplessness, or anorexia. Emotionally you may feel tired, lack the ability to care about what is going on around you, sleep too much or too little, over eat or under eat, and neglect yourself and those around you. These are all feelings and emotions you may experience in loss. It is important for you to recognize changes within yourself, identify your feelings, and most importantly, allow yourself to feel and begin to heal by helping yourself.

Try some of the exercises below to help you process your loss:

Processing Grief Through Writing Letters

Creating a Grief Collage

Using Music to Cope with Grief

The Power of Rituals When Grieving

Experiencing loss can be emotionally challenging and overwhelming. While you can't stop loss from happening, there are steps you can take to cope with loss and work towards healing and growth. Here are some suggestions:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Allow yourself to grieve and feel your emotions fully. It's essential to acknowledge and process your feelings of loss, sadness, and pain.
2. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support group. Talking to others who have experienced loss or are empathetic can provide comfort and validation.
3. Professional Help: Consider seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or grief support specialist. A professional can provide guidance and tools to cope with loss effectively.
4. Self-Compassion: Be kind and gentle with yourself during this challenging time. Understand that grief is a natural response to loss, and it takes time to heal.
5. Express Yourself: Find healthy ways to express your emotions, such as through journaling, art, or creative outlets. Expressing your feelings can help release emotional tension.
6. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness or meditation practices to stay present in the moment and reduce anxiety about the past or future.
7. Take Small Steps: Focus on taking small steps towards healing. Set realistic goals that are achievable within your current emotional capacity.
8. Avoid Self-Isolation: While it's natural to want to retreat during times of grief, try to avoid prolonged isolation. Engaging with others can provide emotional support.
9. Engage in Self-Care: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being through regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough rest.
10. Memorialize and Honor: Find ways to honor the memory of what you've lost. This could involve creating a memorial, performing acts of kindness in their memory, or engaging in rituals that hold significance for you.
11. Seek Meaning and Purpose: Explore activities or pursuits that bring meaning and purpose to your life. Engaging in activities that align with your values can foster a sense of fulfillment.
12. Be Patient with Yourself: Healing from loss is a journey, and it's okay to have ups and downs along the way. Be patient with yourself as you navigate through the grief process.

Remember that there is no specific timeline for healing from loss, and everyone grieves differently. Give yourself the time and space you need, and don't hesitate to seek professional support if you find yourself struggling to cope with the cycle of loss on your own. Healing may take time, but with support and self-compassion, you can find ways to move forward while honoring the significance of what you've lost.

Want to talk with someone more about loss? Contact a Grief Therapist. Feel free to schedule and in person or virtual counseling session directly online. If you prefer talking to a grief therapist first, you may call (215) 922-LOVE (5683) ext 100 to be connected with our intake department. Lastly, you can call our Director, “Alex” Caroline Robboy, CAS, MSW, LCSW at (267) 324–9564 to discuss your particular situation.