Grief and Loss Counseling in Pleasure Point, CA.

Loss is painful. Some losses hurt, but we're able to move past them. Some losses hit harder and we can get stuck in the sadness or anger or a sense of un-reality. We all experience loss during our lives, and all losses affect our sense of self to some degree. If you are struggling with grief that has knocked you off balance, together we can honor what you lost and discover ways for you to continue forward with a new reality.

Sadly, loss is an integral part of life; none of us is immune. Yet, when we're in it, we can feel so alone during the grieving and bereavement process. I offer a safe place to explore the meaning behind the grief and the thoughts and feelings that are sacred to you as you go through this challenging life transition. It is my goal to assist you as you honor the loss of a person, relationship, pet, or a stage in life.

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.

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.

Whether you are grieving over a loved one or experiencing some other form of loss, please know that you are not alone. Our society tends to expect people to recover from loss well before we are truly ready. Therapy can help you get through this difficult time so that you can begin to feel "normal" again. It is my hope for you that you gain the support you need at this time in your life.

I know personally how painful grief and loss can be. Also, my studies and my work at Hospice, counseling people in grief, showed me the many facets of this journey. Whether a loved one has passed, or you are going through divorce, change of home or career, a major loss presents big challenges. You may very well face day to day difficulties like low energy, foggy thinking, overwhelming feelings, physical pain, and changing relationships. I can help you navigate these challenging days and weeks and months. Your journey through your grieving can ultimately be a blessing in your growth, self understanding, and in the expansion of your loving heart.

Grieving is a very personal experience and we all experience it differently and for different amounts of time. It helps to have someone you can share your experience of confusion, numbness, loss, relief or pain with who won't judge you, or tell you to "get over it." I work with people who are grieving the loss of a spouse, friend, or family member to death, Alzheimer's, chronic pain or addiction. The loss of a child who goes to college, the service, or moves out of the area is a grievous loss that almost no one understand who hasn't experienced it. I listen and we reflect on the times you have lost people and places that were precious to you, and you move towards acceptance, life and hope.

Experiencing a significant loss in one's life can be an overwhelming and confusing time. I provide a warm and inviting environment so each person can feel comfortable in talking about and making sense of the different emotions and thoughts one may have. By using a compassionate and supportive approach, I help the person better understand the different phases of grief and learn effective ways to manage feelings of sadness and discomfort.

Dr. Dufford provides a safe, caring environment to resolve issues of grief and loss. Donald Dufford, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist has over 25 years experience in helping clients release emotional stress and trauma associated with losses in life. He provides the tools and techniques to let go, access inner resources, move on and create the life you want to have. Dr. Dufford integrates various therapeutic approaches including talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy and guided imagery. Call now for a free 10 minute telephone consultation.

Your life changes forever when you lose someone, whether you were close or had a strained relationship. Knowing how to make this transition when your emotions are all jumbled and you at times feel like you might go crazy can be very scary and lonely. Healing from a loss doesn't happen in isolation, nor is it a sole event. That is why seeking help is not only comforting, but also reassuring you are on the right path, knowing what to expect and how best to weather the storm. Eventually you will be able to go on with life and again find happiness and meaning. I've not only walked this journey personally, but I have walked alongside many others. Together we've made the journey successfully.

At some stage the bereaved move to a position of acceptance at which point, life begins to feel more normal again. Grief counseling helps process the feelings of loss associated with grief. If you are experiencing grief or loss, counseling can help you process it in a more healthy way. As a bereavement counselor, I offer you a space to explore your feelings in confidential and safe space. I can help you through the grieving process to process the painful emotions, to accept the loss, to make relevant adjustments and to help discover productive coping mechanisms.

Grief, if left blocked, can be a significant drain on our energy. It is possible (and common) to move at such a fast pace through life that we are completely unaware of unprocessed feelings. When sadness, loss, and regret are identified, expressed, and released we reclaim our vitality and improve self-esteem. Another benefit of this process is improvement in our relationships. I provide a safe, comfortable environment to explore these issues.

Loss is part of life. Loss of a loved one, of a life as we knew it through illness, divorce, or unemployment. It is as natural as changing seasons. Yet it still causes pain and suffering. Sometimes we get stuck in grief. I often start therapy by asking: would your loved one want you to be in pain for the rest of your life. Nobody ever said: yes. Acknowledging that there is life after loss is the first step to recovery. After that we will talk about your sadness, grief, sometimes guilt, sometimes resentment, sometimes abandonment. All these feelings need to be respected, processed and slowly you will start noticing that the sun is still shinning and there is a new challenge in front of you