Grief and Loss Counseling in Castro Valley, CA.

Grief is one of the most universal experiences we have. It is also one of the most painful. Grief can occur as the result of loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship, loss of a job or a role, even loss of our hopes and dreams. There are many brands of grief and each can feel crushing! While each of us responds to grief in different ways, there are techniques that help us to heal from loss. Therapy can help you to manage the emotional overwhelm that accompanies grief, not so that we can forget what we've lost, but so that we can manage that loss in a more functional way.

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 is a potential reaction to a loss of any kind whether through death, divorce, abandonment, separation, job loss, illness, disease diagnosis, kids leaving home, etc. Feelings of anger, resentment, shame, confusion, isolation or abandonment can result. Friends and family may not know what to say or how to provide support. A trained professional, who is profoundly sympathetic, respectful and empathetic, with the skills required to help one navigate through this difficult time, can be critical in helping one regain equilibrium.

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.

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.

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. .

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 and loss comes in all forms, from the death of a pet, to moving, to the loss of a dream, to the death of a child or spouse, and more. My clients discover grief and loss are a process (which includes: shock/disbelief, anger, blaming, depression/sadness, bargaining, and denial), and how to move through that process to an increased state of acceptance. As their state of acceptance increases, my clients experience an increase in forgiveness, healing, freedom and hope for the present and future. My clients see how they can begin to feel good about their life and future again.

More than 35 million Americans are living with some form of chronic mental or physical illness or disability. The vast majority depend upon their families for care. Caring for a family member who is ill can have a dramatic effect upon a family. Although it can provide opportunities for closeness, it can also be stressful. If you or someone you love is ill, you may need psychological support to continue to live life as optimally as possible. You may also need help in processing your grief, especially if your loved one has become debilitated or has died. Please call me to discuss your particular needs and how counseling can help. I can be reached at 415-533-9724.

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.

I use an empathetic and compassionate approach combined with a range of specialized therapeutic techniques, including sensorimotor psychotherapy and internal family systems, to address Grief & Loss. Together we will master the intricacies of the grief process to enable a personalized and profound healing journey for those grappling with one of life's most challenging transitions. Clients will find solace and strength in my care, and I will create a safe space for exploration and growth, fostering resilience and understanding during grief. My methods not only alleviate the immediate pain of loss but also nurture a path towards long-term emotional well-being and empowerment.

I help men cope with grief and loss, to find meaning in their pain, and to move forward in their lives. My clinical work over the past 10 years has taught me that the way men cope with grief can sometimes be different than women. Cultural ideals and "male training" can lead many men to suffer alone in stoic silence. But you are not alone, and you do not have to be. The benefit of psychotherapy with a therapist who specializes in psychotherapy with men, is that you are much more likely to feel heard and understood in a way that is right for you. Over my career, I have been honored help many men transform themselves. I am happy to offer a free initial phone consultation. Give me a call today.