Grief and Loss Counseling in Elk Grove, CA.

Grief and loss can feel so lonely. Loss comes in many forms and often needs the support of another individual for healing to occur. As we explore your loss experience, you will be able to move through the grief and return to a state of joy and peace. You will learn the stages of grief and loss; the steps to move through the process; and, find support in a safe environment.

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.

Navigating life after the loss of a loved one can be difficult. Oftentimes survivors are left feeling overwhelmed by emotion states, unable to function in every day life. We can feel guilt for wanting to “get over” our grief which can keep us from moving forward. Come in and learn how you can both honor the loss and actively work towards reclaiming your life from debilitating unaddressed emotions.

I tell my clients that everyone grieves in their own, unique way, and that there is no "right way" to grieve. Sooner or later, we all face major losses of loved ones, and the grief involved can feel devastating. I provide loving support and help my clients connect with grief and loss support groups and other supports. We explore what the loss means for my client and ways to honor the memories of the loved one. We also explore and process unfinished, incomplete, or difficult losses that involve anger, shame, resentment, and deep disappointment.

Grief can occur from losing a relationship, losing a loved one or many other transitions or losses. Life seems to go on around you, but the hurt and sadness can take a long time to recover from. Family can only help for so long. Getting professional help is a step toward the beginnings of recovery. Overcoming grief is about processing your emotions, honoring the loss and creating small steps to a new life. Timing is individual and not everyone grieves in the same way. I would be honored to help you start feeling better.

Grief and Loss are a part of life, but that does not make it any easier to get through it. We experience Grief and Loss in many different ways and we each go through the experience at our own unique pace. Let me help you find your way through the grief. We can work through it together. Many people do not realize how often we actually deal with grief and loss issues. From grieving the loss of a dream to grieving the loss of someone close to you, we experience it daily. Let us work together to find a healthy way to work through your grief and loss.

The experience of grief and loss, while expected at various life stages, can result in physical pain, and the emergence of symptoms that lead to experiencing a slow downward spiral in overall wellbeing, and perhaps desire to withdrawal from personal and professional commitments. Many clients seek compassionate and sensitive guidance to navigate through the ups and downs of any number of losses, ranging from diminishing health, to ending a relationship, or other life transition. Together, clients and I develop a transformative plan to stabilize, heal, gain insight and to enhance their proficiency to improve the strength needed to reconstitute their skills and hopes for today and the future.

Grief is a natural response to loss. You may associate it with the death of a loved one- and that type of loss does often cause the most intense emotions. But any loss can cause grief, including: a relationship breakup, loss of health, losing a job, loss of financial stability, a miscarriage, death of a pet, loss of safety after trauma, a loved one's serious illness Please note that there is no "normal" timetable for grieving. As an experienced therapist, I can help you work through your intense emotions and overcome obstacles to your grieving.

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.

Grief and loss are central to many if not all psychological conditions, in that change and transformation are natural ongoing processes. Coming to terms with this continual change is what positive adjustment entails. Experiencing a “broken heart” can feel like the end of the world and pitch us into despair. But facing loss finally allows us to hatch into a larger true identity. I utilize several creative processing modalities, including Art Therapy, EMDR, and Hypnotherapy to access and clarify appropriate symbols and metaphors which allow this hatching to occur.

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.

As someone who has dealt with grief and loss in my own life, I am able to hold space for the many different experiences and emotions that grief can express itself as. Sometimes we just need someone to witness our experience. In our culture, we rush grief. It can be a slow process, and I respect that. Additionally, I often use art therapy in grief work as it helps us express what we cannot find the words for.

I believe we are meant to love. But as loving human beings, the loss of important people in our lives is one of our most difficult challenges. Let me help you move through your grief, staying gently with you as you mourn. Grief has it's own timeline, with healing occurring quietly and inconsistently. Over time and with support, you will begin to experience hope, and even joy again.