Grief and Loss Counseling in Bellflower, CA.

Grief counseling helps people cope with grief and mourning following the loss of a loved one or due to major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (i.e. job loss or divorce). It provides a space for individuals to work through and process the complex emotions surrounding loss. Healthy grieving results in remembering the loss with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.

Our grief can benefit from having a safe, nonjudgmental space where we feel heard. This is especially important for teens and college students. Therapy goes at your pace, with your level of readiness for each step. Hope and healing are possible. There is meaning and purpose to be found in your pain. Though you will never forget your loved one, you can live in a way that honors them and their life's legacy.

Most of us are familiar with Elizabeth Kubler Ross' model of grief with the 5 stages. While this is helpful information, this model does not fit everyone. I practice from the Winslade and Hedtke model of grief which practices "Remembering". I find that using this model or this model in conjunction with the 5 stage grief model is helpful to helping clients explore loss and grief in finding a pathway forward that honors their own experiences.

My years of experience as a psychologist has confirmed that there is no particular timetable for overcoming grief whether from a death of relative, partner, friend, pet or the more symbolic losses of empty nest, end of career, decisions not to have children or marry. I provide a safe environment for patients to explore the many feelings associated with grieving on their own terms and timetable.

Grieving is a complex process. There is no right or wrong, ideal or non-ideal formulaic process to grieving. Grief is personal and varies from person to person. Allowing oneself to grief, while not loosing perspective on life is a difficult process and often requires assistance. This is where I can be of help. I will listen and provide guidance during the process of grief.

When a loved one has passed away going thru the bereavement stage can be overwhelming. There are five stages of grief and counseling can assist individuals by having a safe space to remember that loved and help client return to their previous level of healthy functioning. The giving process is different for every individual and the treatment goals will be individualized for that specific client.

Grief and loss can occur at any time in many ways during a person's life. It can be an actual death, illness, a loss of relationship or even a loss of a career or job, an identity. While normal and a part of life, they are often met with indifference and ignorance, sometimes fear. Thru the process of therapy grief and loss can be explored and understood, it can be a shared experience where there is value and acceptance.

I address grief and loss issues with understanding, validation, and empathy. My deep respect for the fact that it takes time to sufficiently mourn and grieve the loss of what once was is key in working with clients who experience grief and loss. We are all unique, and we grieve in ways that may look different than other's ways. There is no wrong way to experience loss! I model compassion and patience, hoping that in time my clients can experience self-compassion and allow themselves to feel the depths of their feelings without excess shame or self-judgment. I believe that social and cultural factors may also play a role in our grieving process, so I explore those factors in therapy as well.

My approach to Grief & Loss is for the client to be aware of the 7 stages of grief and to have them understand that their feelings about their loss are normal. Many times when someone close to us dies, we question whether not crying, crying too much, or perhaps feeling angry at the world is OK. These are all normal feelings and reactions people have to loss. Once a client understands this, they can continue to grieve without having any questions about their own actions or feelings.

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.

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.

Grieving the loss of a relationship? Lost someone close to you, either through a breakup, divorce, or death? Struggling with the loss of a dream, a pet, or miscarriage? It can be very painful. While these feelings can be difficult, they are a normal reaction to loss. I can encourage you to share your feelings regarding this loss in your life in order to clarify them and gain insight into their causes. I can help you to develop effective strategies to cope with your grieving and loss. I can help you to appropriately grieve the loss in order to normalize your mood so you can return to your previous level of functioning. Call, click or text (949)791-7127 or (310)729-7971.

Loss is an extremely difficult, yet natural part of life. Grief can feel very dark and all consuming. In the midst of this process, one might find themselves at a loss of where to turn. I provide a safe space for all feelings that arise, gently work with people towards acceptance, and help find ways to keep memories alive. A loss does not have to mean an ending.

Losing a friend, spouse, or family member is always a difficult trial. Nobody wants to experience or think about these types of events, but it's happened. Perhaps you've tried to cope, but it still hurts. There is help and support for you no matter what stage of grief you're in. We will help guide you through this unfortunate state in your life with all the care and support that you need. Many have made it through and hope can still be found! Reach out to us. You deserve to live again!

Abby offers compassionate, trauma-informed support for individuals navigating grief and loss, including those coping with the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or major life changes. She has specialized expertise in child loss and complex grief, providing a safe space to process pain, honor the grieving journey, and begin to rebuild. Her approach helps clients find meaning, restore emotional balance, and reconnect with themselves and others after profound loss.

How we grieve depends deeply upon our own personal experiences and pain. I work to assist each individual to grasp the depth and poignancy of this ended relationship and give them the tools that they need to live without this person/creature. Once this is completed, I help them to embrace the qualities that they can make part of their own legacy.

The death of someone we love is devastating and painful for all of us. All of your feelings are "normal" and it is ok to allow yourself the opportunity to experience them. But sometimes the sad, anxious thoughts and feelings do not dimish and you may need help in dealing with your grief. I provide a safe and compassionate place for you to share your thoughts, feelings and memories as well as helpful stratagies to help you cope and find meaning in this life altering loss.

Loss is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t make it any less difficult an experience when we lose someone close to us. The grief we feel at that moment can surround us completely, permeating every aspect of our lives. We can sometimes feel the grief we’re experiencing in our bodies, see it change our relationships and impact our work. It filters through into our daily thoughts, our vision for the future and our remembrances of the past. Grief is a natural and necessary process, but sometimes having support can help. Story is a powerful tool; maybe one of our most powerful. Telling your personal story of loss, as an individual and a family, is an important part of the work I do. It helps you develop the positive coping skills to manage your sadness,...(view profile to read more)

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 don’t 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.

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.

Grief counseling helps people cope with grief and mourning following the loss of a loved one or due to major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (i.e. job loss or divorce). It provides a space for individuals to work through and process the complex emotions surrounding loss. Healthy grieving results in remembering the loss with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.