Grief and Loss Counseling in Manhattan Beach, CA.

These feelings are authentic and are in your body, so you must feel them. If grief and loss felt and expressed at the time it is felt, it is healthy and appropriate. It is best, however, to try to live in the present and not dwell on the past or go in the future with feelings of hopelessness. Grief in children and adults are different and are treateddifferently.

Are you grieving or experiencing a loss? Do you feel like the sadness will never let up? Most people associate grief with the death of a loved one. However, any loss can cause grief. The loss of: relationships, health, jobs or a goal. Experiencing a loss may result in many difficult & surprising emotions; shock, anger, even guilt. Together we’ll resolve your grief & lessen the painful emotions you’re experiencing; accepting them as part of the grieving process & developing some healthy, productive ways to cope with your sadness. Everyone grieves differently. There’s no order or timetable for grief. In session I’ll help you find the best way to resolve your grief & heal from your loss.

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.

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.

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.

Grief can be a difficulty beast to manage, a beast which can surface at any moment without warning and often comes in waves. When I’ve been grieving I’ve felt like I was in an emotional pong ball. With the aid of tools like EMDR CBT and guided visualizations I can help you to heal and leave the pain, loss, and grief in the past while holding on to the happy memories. Additionally, I can provide tools, coping skills, and other resources to help you manage this particular issue.

Create a safe space where you get to talk about your loss openly: no limitations, no having to censor yourself, no “can they handle this?” Learn tools to cope with the big, uncontrollable feelings you’re experiencing Learn to ask for needs from your support system when grieving. Honor and reflect on those who you have lost. Carry on the relationship with the person inside of you. Gain an understanding that you’re not crazy! What you feel is normal & grief is universal Build skills to turn towards your grief rather than away, so you can be present to the life unfolding in front of you without losing connection to your loved one

Grief and Loss is painful and it brings up so many different feelings and emotions. Working through the stages of Grief will help you better cope and navigate your life, your relationships, and it brings awareness and healing. I offer a supportive environment for you to work through your grief or loss. I can help you to find support systems and create a safe space to work through the pain. You don't have to go through a loss alone.

Each persons grief journey is a deeply personal and unique experience. Recognizing this, my approach is empathetic and client-centered. In our work together, you can expect a safe and compassionate space to navigate emotions. Using techniques like narrative therapy and mindfulness, we foster healing and resilience, and empowerment to find meaning amidst loss.