Grief and Loss Counseling in Gardena, CA.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Although loss is an inevitable part of life, it can be debilitating. I provide a safe environment where you can process your painful feelings so that you can find satisfaction and pleasure in your life again. Many people can feel paralyzed after the loss of a loved one. Often times this paralysis is a conscious or unconscious attempt to hold on to the one that was lost. Moving forward can feel unbearable, like you are losing your loved one all over again. I can help you move forward and still feel a deep connection to your loved one so that you can go on to live a life that feels fulfilling and worth living.

I use an empathetic and compassionate approach combined with a range of specialized therapeutic techniques, including sensorimotor psychotherapy and internal family systems, to address Grief & Loss. Together we will master the intricacies of the grief process to enable a personalized and profound healing journey for those grappling with one of life's most challenging transitions. Clients will find solace and strength in my care, and I will create a safe space for exploration and growth, fostering resilience and understanding during grief. My methods not only alleviate the immediate pain of loss but also nurture a path towards long-term emotional well-being and empowerment.

I help clients navigate grief and loss by welcoming their deep feelings as a part of the process and navigating them carefully when they become overwhelming. Grief is a growth process like other difficult experiences, and I help clients find the resilience inside themselves to both honor their loss while getting stronger. By honoring the pain of the loss, we can move into a new phase of life that allows for thriving.

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.

Grief following a loss is not only normal, but part of the healing process. Sometimes however, a subset of people experiencing normal grief find themselves drifting into a clinical depression. Dr. Levine offers supportive therapy for those experiencing normal grief and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for that subset of grieving people who grief has gotten out of control and morphed into a more severe emotional state of despair and hopelessness. Dr. Levine has over 30+ years of experience both professional and personal dealing with the grieving process. He is here to help you.

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.

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.

The loss of a family member or a close friend can be a traumatic event. It's common to have a mixture of feelings at this time as well as difficulty picturing how our life can go on without our loved one. In therapy it can be helpful to reminisce about our experiences with them and articulate the feelings we have, no matter what the feelings or experiences are. All while in a private and safe environment

The loss of loved one can bring a lot of mixed emotions ( anger, depression, sadness, desire, shock, guilt) for us. In personal therapy, in a safe environment, I will help you to process the negative events in order to move forward and start the healing process. I will practice positive communication, relaxation techniques and mindfulness during our session.

Navigating the pain of grief is an individual process, which can result in a myriad of social/cognitive/physical/emotional symptoms. Each person’s experience is unique, and should be treated as such. Treatment helps to understand the complexity of the loss, in addition how to manage its symptoms. Many people around you have unrealistic expectations of how you should handle, or can be uncomfortable with normal grief reactions. The support you receive at this difficult time should be consistent to help you to manage the wide variety of feelings you will have for weeks and months following such a major loss in your life.

Grief & Loss is a part of every human beings' life. Grief & Loss Therapy is an intrinsic part of moving forward. The benefits of Grief & Loss Therapy is that it allows people to plunge forward in their lives. Tragedy is a part of human existence, but how and what we do with it, determines who we are. I work with people to process & metabolize grief, to leave what they don't want behind, and to keep with them that which benefits, nourishes, and enhances their life!

Depression and anxiety are often a result of not having processed past difficult situations. We all experience loss, and we have a natural process involving our emotions which helps us recover. Most of us do not receive the permission or the teaching to help us use this natural process. Therapy can help work through "stuck" experiences so that we are freer to move forward in life with less restriction.

Are you experiencing grief or loss of some kind? Are you stuck in the negative thoughts and emotions that can feel overwhelming at times? You are not alone in this. It is normal and common to go through certain stages of grief, but everyone grieves in their own unique way. Having someone to walk you through this process as well as help you take care of yourself and begin the journey of recovery can be a very helpful resource. If you are ready to begin the healing journey, I am here to help.

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.

Coping with grief and loss is unique to each person and situation. Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something that has meant a great deal to you and been part of your life. Even changes in your health, career, or lifestyle, can cause grief. I approach each case by starting where you are. Although there are different "stages" to working through grief and loss, each person experiences these stages in different ways, durations and may even revisit some of these stages multiple times throughout the process. My goal is to allow you the opportunity to experience each stage at your own pace while focusing on maintaining your health.

Grief can feel overwhelming, whether from the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a life change. Healing takes time, and I provide a space where you can process emotions at your own pace, without judgment. I help clients navigate the waves of sadness, anger, and confusion while uncovering meaning and resilience in their journey. My approach is compassionate and steady, supporting you as you honor your loss and gradually move toward acceptance, peace, and renewed strength.

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.

Loss and grief are natural occurrences in life. However, they can be major intrusions in the quality of our life if we are too caught up in them. They can also interfere if we are so defended against them that they limit our ability to function or impair our daily interactions with others. Sometimes, what we have lost is not a person but a job or a situation in our life that has had great meaning for us, like our self-image. That can feel devastating. Just like losing a person, these events must be grieved if we are to be able to move on. Grieving doesn’t mean forgetting or being weak. It’s a sign of love and strength. Together, we can work through the grief so you can move on.

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.

I have worked with victims of trauma and abuse for over 15 years. I have been trained on many different methods to helping a client through their trauma so that they can begin living without PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) symptoms. Many people come to therapy because of the nightmares, trouble sleeping, having flashbacks, and having intimacy issues because they cannot let their guard down. For 10 years I worked using strictly a “person centered” approach to therapy. That means that I would let the survivor tell their story in their own way and not really guide them much. My main job was to make sure they felt safe and figured out ways to be safe. This process took a very long time, but it ....

Grieving and losing loved ones can be such a difficult time. Everyone grieves differently, and you partner may even pull away. Sometimes your friends don't know what to say, so they don't call or come around. This can leave you feeling alone, sad, angry, and depressed. You need someone to talk to and support you during this difficult. The worst thing you can do is stuff those feelings down. They will find their way to surface one way or another. Hopefully, with caring, supportive counseling, you can express yourself and get through this difficult time.