Grief and Loss Counseling in Encinitas, CA.

Grief and Loss are some of the most difficult transitions we encounter in life. You can learn emotional release, Mindfulness and other skills as ways to ease the pain and suffering that these losses can create. Although it may not feel like it when you encounter a loss, facing the challenge can be transformational. New understandings can unfold from going through these situations consciously. With the right support your heart can heal and you can move on in life with ease and grace. i collaborate with you to balance conflicting parts of your life and to transform difficult stresses into meaningful challenges.

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 and loss is a part of so much more than many recognize in every day life. Most folks are familiar with the Kubler-Ross stages, but processing grief is much more than those five stages. There are tasks of mourning that can be explored and expanded with support in therapy. There are secondary losses as a result of an initial loss. Grief impacts how open we feel to new relationships in our lives. I work with clients to help them understand their responses to grief, move through their grief and feelings through expressive arts and verbal processing.

Grief and loss are a part of life yet can feel overwhelming! If you are suffering from illness, the death of a loved one, loss of a job or relationship, or going through life transitions, therapy can assist in your healing. Grief can be isolating. Individuals, couples, and families can learn to stay connected rather than be torn apart during these difficult times. Learning to cope with your situation in an accepting atmosphere can help you develop a renewed sense of hope and renewed connection, first to yourself and then to significant others. You do not need to go through your pain alone!

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.

My practice is centered around helping my clients find their own unique paths to healing from grief and loss. I use a combination of psychoanalytically-informed therapy and psychodynamic therapy to help people find the courage to be with and move through their pain. My goal is to provide comfort and support to my patients, while also helping them to uncover their hidden strengths and resources. I believe in the power of meaningful relationships and strive to create a safe and secure space for my patients to explore their feelings and experiences.

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.