Bereavement / loss
Overview
Loss encompasses any significant ending or absence in your life, most commonly associated with death of loved ones but also including divorce, job loss, friendship endings, health changes, or loss of dreams and expectations. Grief is the natural response to loss, involving a complex mix of emotions that can include sadness, anger, guilt, relief, or numbness. Everyone grieves differently and there's no right timeline for healing.
Impact on your general wellbeing
Loss affects your entire world, often feeling like the ground has shifted beneath your feet. You might experience waves of intense emotion, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, physical aches, or feeling disconnected from others who haven't experienced similar loss. Daily routines might feel meaningless, and you may struggle with questions about purpose and meaning. Social relationships can become complicated as others may not understand your grief process.
How counselling can support you grieving
Counselling provides support through the grief journey, helping you process the many emotions that arise and find ways to honor your loss while moving forward. We explore what your loss means to you and help normalize your grief experience. Practical support includes developing coping strategies for difficult days, managing anniversary reactions, and navigating social situations. We might work on maintaining connection to what you've lost while building new meaning and purpose. Bereavement counselling specifically addresses the unique aspects of losing someone to death.
Useful Resources
Cruse Bereavement Care offers free bereavement support and counselling throughout the UK
Marie Curie provides support for anyone dealing with death and bereavement.