Grief and Loss Counseling in Altadena, CA.

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.

When someone is grieving, it is sometimes difficult to know what to say. People feel awkward and often are reduced to well-meaning platitudes. There is no magic wand to take away the feelings experienced in grief but having a place of safety and honesty can be an important step on the road to restoration. Being able to talk, weep, get angry and feel the feelings is often present in the early stages. The purpose of grief work is not about forgetting remembering with love in spite of the wounds it leaves behind.

In treating grief and loss, it is essential to facilitate a safe, respectful therapeutic interaction, in which clients are able to tell their story, process and express their feelings of grief, explore the meaning of their loss, and revise their relationship with the deceased. Additionally, using cognitive and behavioral therapy techniques enable people to develop skills for coping with the anxiety, depression, and difficult emotions that may arise as a result of the grieving process.

It's hard to know what to do when we're grieving. Everyone's experience is different and often times that can leave a person feeling alone, even when they have supportive people around them. I often find with grief there's a rollercoaster of emotions happening. The good news is, you don't have to go it alone. Together we will process your grief so real healing can occur. If you're tired of going it alone, or struggling to know how to talk about it--I'm here, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Confronting the pain of loss may feel too intense, but counseling can bring relief. How? Talking about your sadness, regrets, guilt, anger, etc., will help you release thoughts and feelings… slowly accept how the loss impacts your life… give the lost loved one a new place in your heart... and eventually adjust to your changed life and often-new self. You can re-discover the joy of life without forgetting what you have lost.

We all will inevitably experience loss- i.e., the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, possibly significant life transitions. Grief and loss work focuses on developing effective and healthy coping mechanisms while moving through often challenging emotional states. Often individuals utilize maladaptive coping strategies, such as substances, alcohol and/or food to help minimize painful feelings. My philosophy is that while there are identifiable stages of grief and loss, they are not experienced sequentially. Navigating often confusing and competing emotions is necessary to ultimately heal.

Grief and loss can be overwhelming, confusing and debilitating. There are often overpowering feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety, guilt and anger. If you experience the loss of a loved one or the loss of your marriage (going through divorce), i am here to help. I will work with you through your feelings, whatever they may be, to provide a sense of clarity and self-connection in the journey of grief.

Grieving a loss can feel overwhelming and isolating. Whether you are grieving a recent loss or need to process a loss from your past, a safe space to freely express your thoughts and feelings can be healing. Children's response to loss is framed by their developmental capacities. For this reason, children may process a loss and then need to reprocess at a later stage of development. Therapy provides an opportunity for children and adolescents to process their loss in age appropriate ways.

Grief and loss can be overwhelming and confusing, leaving individuals feeling alone and lost. My approach to grief and loss therapy is centered around empathy and creating a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and memories. Utilizing evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, I work with clients to navigate the grieving process and find meaning in their loss. Together, we honor the memory of the loved one while exploring coping mechanisms and building resilience for the future. You don't have to navigate this difficult journey alone, let me be your companion on this healing path.

We provide individual and group therapy for those struggling to come to terms with major life losses, such as the death of a significant other, relationship, career, or health. If you are grieving any loss, do not suffer alone. Our therapists are experienced and/or certified with the skills to help you through your journey to healing and reconciliation.

I have lost people close to me and I can understand what you may be experiencing, even if you had violent/sudden loss. I offer a highly supportive environment in which we talk through your loss, share memories, and I can teach you about grief and loss. In addition, I offer a supportive therapy group for bereavement, which has been proven extremely helpful to people grieving. I use energy therapies and other alternative therapies along with more conventional psychotherapy which enhances your healig and working through losses. I offer a holistic approach to therapy through talk therapy, art and creative therapy, group therapy, bibliotherapy and energy therapies. Contact me because I can help!

Experiencing grief and loss are some of the most complex emotions to heal from. Grief touches every aspect of our lives, work, family, and even times when we are supposed to feel good. Often, guilt comes along with the grief and the loss that we feel. Frequently, one feels as if they must shoulder their grief alone. You don't have to deal with this alone. I work with clients to process their grief and loss, whether it's a loved one or something else dear to you. Additionally, we'll figure out what other emotions you may have tangled up with your grief that are holding you back. I will guide and support you so that you will see a brighter day without the pain of regret.

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.