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Grief, bereavement and loss
Whether you are supporting a loved one through a terminal diagnosis, navigating life after bereavement, or dealing with a different kind of loss such as redundancy, change of friendship group, moving house — you do not have to do it alone.
Anticipatory grief
Anticipatory grief is the period of time where your loved one has been given a life-changing diagnosis and you are waiting for them to die. The time span of this waiting can be extremely short or it can go on for years, especially with dementia and some cancers. Life changes for the person with the diagnosis, but also for their partner, family, and friends.
Supporting someone you love through the last stages of their life is mentally and physically exhausting. Your diary can be filled with hospital and doctor's appointments. Your own social life can go out of the window, and your life can seem to revolve entirely around the person needing your care.
This can bring up all sorts of emotions — fear, anger, frustration, and sadness — as well as intrusive thoughts you would not dream of telling anyone. Talking to a counsellor who is neutral and unconnected to the family can be a real support. The unspoken can be voiced, emotions expressed, and historical pain explored and healed.
Bereavement
Bereavement is the period of time following the death of a loved one, where the world can feel like it has stopped still, but the world still carries on. It is a very bewildering time, and affects us emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Everyone's reaction to death is different and unique. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. My role is to be a listening ear: to support, to normalise, to encourage, while you grieve.
I have sat alongside people who have experienced the death of a loved one through long-term illness such as cancer or dementia, sudden death from a heart attack or accident, and death by suicide.
Different aspects of loss
Loss is felt when a person dies, the loss of a future with that person. This loss can come in waves: sometimes gently, like a constant ache, and sometimes like a tidal wave that sweeps you off your feet.
Loss is also felt in other areas of life: redundancy, the end of an important relationship, moving away from home, children leaving. All of these losses can destabilise us, and therapy can help you find your footing again.
Ready to talk?
There's no pressure, just a chance for us to meet and see how I can help, so please do get in touch.
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