Grief and Loss Counseling in Castro Valley, CA.

Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, Ph.D approaches issues of grief & loss through the lens of innovation----instead of growing the same neural networks responsible for the pain in weekly therapy sessions, we reset the brain to move forward quicker and efficiently by working on the stuck limbic system so as to empower the person with more success and traction. For no one wants to stay in a grief mode for too long; but when you dont include the brain in your work with someone, you risk describing the water to them while they drown and calling it success. Contact Grey Matters International, Inc now at kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161

Grief and loss is a part of so much more than many recognize in every day life. Most folks are familiar with the Kubler-Ross stages, but processing grief is much more than those five stages. There are tasks of mourning that can be explored and expanded with support in therapy. There are secondary losses as a result of an initial loss. Grief impacts how open we feel to new relationships in our lives. I work with clients to help them understand their responses to grief, move through their grief and feelings through expressive arts and verbal processing.

So much of my experience as a therapist has roots in supporting clients with grief and loss. Grief is a process, and I can guide you through each phase of grief. We all grieve in our own time, but it's best to do so with a therapist. By allowing the feelings (anger, sadness, frustration, fear, sorrow) to flow through you, the grieving process will happen at a healthier pace. If you feel lost, alone, and struggling to process a loss, I can be your guide. Facing hospice, palliative care, or the loss of a loved one suddenly can each have its own special set of challenges. This is a personal journey, and I am here to offer you support, understanding, and a safe place.

Grief and loss is not easy to work through. My approach to whether it is grieving the loss of a loved one or the loss of a relationship, I will support you and we will work together at a pace appropriate for you to first acknowledge your pain while working through the stages of grief and to learn ways to manage the familiar and unexpected emotions that are part of the loss. Also, you will learn to understand that your grieving process is your own and unique to you. Lastly, you will begin to create new meaning in your life.

Grief and loss is, unfortunately, a normal part of living. There is no single "correct" way to grieve: different cultures and even individuals from the same culture grieve differently. The only consistent feature is that grief takes time. The most effective thing anyone can do for someone grieving is to be there—to listen, to empathize, to walk along with the grief. There is no "fixing" grief. But counseling can help prevent normal grief from developing into major depression or other mental health conditions.

Grief can be overwhelming to navigate on our own. One thing I have learned from my studies of Carl Jung and Sandra Ingerman is the importance of honoring your soul when you are grieving. I will hold the safe space for you to actively move through your grief so that you don't end up with depression or soul loss. Grief can be a beautiful process, like entering sacred grounds where you come to understand your own soul and its needs. I am always honored to guide a client through their grief. Grief work is often a catalyst for coming into more authenticity and self compassion, and developing a deeper understanding of concepts such as Soul mates, forgiveness, and how to create healthy closure.

I have taught and practiced grief counseling for over 24 years. One thing I observed early on is that people who share their grief with others progress through the stages of grief and get much relief, while those who try to grieve on their own seem to just stay locked into the early stages of suffering for many years. I offer compassionate and loving support through the process. Loving, gentle support can make all the difference.

Having a safe caring environment to talk about your sorrow is the beginning of the healing process. Everyone goes through grief and loss in their own unique time and way. I can help you hold that pain as you explore and work through the many related emotions and issues that surface along with loss. You can get through this and begin to move toward living your life again without that dark cloud over you. You need not struggle through this alone. I can help you. Call for a consultation today and begin feeling better sooner rather than later.

Whether it is the loss of a friend or family member or the ending of a marriage or relationship, the pain of loss is a powerful time to grieve and to reflect about the meaning of your own life. Therapy for grief and loss can offer the opportunity to change and grow in profound and deep ways due to the vulnerability of emotions that may normally be unfelt or unexpressed. It is an opportune time to get support and to share your internal world with another.

Each person has a unique relationship and memories when there is a loss. I work with you to explore those relationships and work to mend and honor the relationship and memories in a way that is meaningful to you. I will give you space to talk about your grief. We will work on mending the hurt that may exist from guilt or anger. Honor the relationship as you begin to heal from the loss.

Are you using alcohol, substances, or addictive behaviors to cope with grief and loss? Although they provide relief in the short term, their long-term effects on your relationships and health can make it even more difficult to cope. Through a compassionate non-judgmental approach, I help clients explore their relationship to grief and loss so that they can overcome addictive coping strategies. If you're looking for another way forward, feel free to reach out and we can set up a free consultation to discuss further.

My practice is centered around helping my clients find their own unique paths to healing from grief and loss. I use a combination of psychoanalytically-informed therapy and psychodynamic therapy to help people find the courage to be with and move through their pain. My goal is to provide comfort and support to my patients, while also helping them to uncover their hidden strengths and resources. I believe in the power of meaningful relationships and strive to create a safe and secure space for my patients to explore their feelings and experiences.

Grief and loss are natural and normal reactions to the end of a significant relationship or the loss of a loved one. However, when these feelings become overwhelming or debilitating, it may be helpful to seek out professional support through psychotherapy. During therapy, individuals can work through their feelings of grief and loss in a safe and supportive environment. They may also learn coping mechanisms and strategies to help them navigate the grieving process. Additionally, therapy can aid in the process of coming to terms with the loss, and provide an opportunity for individuals to process their emotions in a healthy way. It is important to note that grief is unique to each individual

Sometimes you might feel like you are searching for how to heal from grief and loss in relationships, times of your life, or getting past an old way of being. I am here to help you get through times that might be confusing and seem unmanageable, and transform them into a more soothing and supported experience. It can be difficult with others telling you just to get over it, or move on, as well as if people you want understanding from distance themselves. The best part of this is to know how to approach loved ones about these issues and how to be comforted and fully alive within yourself! Allow me assist you with your grieving or transitional process, and things can feel manageable again.

Free 30 minute zoom call - Grief & Loss are normal experiences in life. Yet, they are often overwhelming - combining experiences of sadness, fear, anxiety, surprise & disorientation, frustration, worry, loneliness, confusion & more. Grief is truly not meant to be experienced alone. The guidance of a caring therapist as well as the support of loving, friends, family & community is invaluable and truly needed. Grief takes time, comes in waves and needs expression in multiple ways, through tears, writing, talking and the help of a grief counselor.

I am a caring presence as a psychologist during the grieving process. I listen and comfort and help with pressing decisions which are difficult to face while grieving. I understand that grieving takes many forms which need to be understood. Sometimes grieving takes a very long time and sometimes grief is a lifelong presence. Sometimes loss can lead to positive changes or new life directions.

Experiencing a loss, whether is a death or a relationship, can be one of the most difficult and life changing events one might go through in life. Grief comes in waves and can be overwhelming. Having a safe place to go express this grief and experience it can be very healing. Understanding how you might experience the grieving and loss process can be helpful when it feels like it is consuming you. Therapy can be a start to working through some of the feelings, emotions and thoughts about your loss. I will be able to support you through this process.

I personally experienced a great deal of grief and loss in my 20's so feel I bring my own personal experience to helping others deal with this. Losing people we love is one of the hardest things we will face in our lives, and getting help and support can be invaluable. I will help you process your feelings, feel cared for and supported through the process, and guide you.

Grief and loss can affect many areas of your life. Whether the type of loss you are experiencing is of a loved one, due to health challenges, location/geographical changes, friendship loss or career loss, it is important to give yourself a safe space and the needed time to process this new chapter of your life. Therapy can provide that space to discuss your process and how loss has impacted you. As your therapist, I will hold space with you and honor your experiences however they arrive.

Grief is hard. Grief is natural. Animals grieve. Grief is something we feel deep in our bodies and can be disorienting and destabilizing. Grief brings up questions about who we are, the world, the existence or goodness of God, and purpose and futility of life. Dealing with grief, especially when the loss is traumatic and unexpected, requires a slow and tender space to allow the grief to move through our body and to settle in our hearts with warmth and memory. I am here to help you grieve the loss of your loved one, experience, health , future or even your beloved pet. .

At some point, everyone experiences the grief and loss of something or someone valuable in life. The key is knowing how to grieve one's loss. Most people don't know how to grieve and our culture does not allow for it. Entering therapy after a loss of a job, relationship, or a loved one can help heal the wounds and help the individual move on with life.

Grief and loss can take many forms in our lives. If you have lost a loved one to death, divorce, addiction or estrangement, the pain can be intense and disorienting. Other forms of loss such as disability, loss of health, infertility, infidelity, loss of faith or the loss of a lifelong dream can also leave us reeling and grieving. Loss is very personal. While others may not understand what you're going through, I will respect your experience and walk through it with you for as long as it takes.

When we lose someone we love, it feels like we have lost a part of ourselves. Something within us has been torn out, leaving a hole that we easily imagine will never heal. The pain can be profound, the feelings of helplessness, or regret, or guilt overwhelming. Having a partnership where you can talk through these feelings can make a huge difference not only in how quickly and how well you are able to move through the process of grieving, but also how you ultimately are able to frame the experience and your memories of the person lost into the narrative of your own self and life as you move forward. What you carry with you afterward is just as important as surviving the hurt of the loss.

Devastation through grief and loss are unspeakable. Let me help you navigate through the maze that is your new reality. Sometimes these feelings must be experienced in a safe place with a counselor who understands that at times, there are no suitable words to express the extent of this pain. As an expert in this area of grief counseling, I will help you achieve the self compassion needed to deal with the pain, and thrive in your life.

Grief, if left blocked, can be a significant drain on our energy. It is possible (and common) to move at such a fast pace through life that we are completely unaware of unprocessed feelings. When sadness, loss, and regret are identified, expressed, and released we reclaim our vitality and improve self-esteem. Another benefit of this process is improvement in our relationships. I provide a safe, comfortable environment to explore these issues.