Grief and Loss Counseling in Santa Rosa, CA.

In our culture, we put a time cap on how long someone is allowed to grieve. We aren't taught how to grieve. Grief is not linear. It moves in circles, overtaking us and then receding, as we slowly heal. I have experienced much loss in my life and I draw on my experiences to help others grieve exactly as they need to, in their own way.

The loss of someone we love or something that is central to our lives is one of the most painful experiences that we can have. We enter a vortex called grief that colors everything and seems like it will never relent. The torn places in us where our missing and longing meet absence feel jagged and raw. The journey to acceptance and relief is best done in the company of others. Family and friends are good but an experienced, mature, warmly compassionate and skilled guide can help you over the rough patches. This is who I am. I can help you.

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.

Are you using alcohol, substances, or addictive behaviors to cope with grief and loss? Although they provide relief in the short term, their long-term effects on your relationships and health can make it even more difficult to cope. Through a compassionate non-judgmental approach, I help clients explore their relationship to grief and loss so that they can overcome addictive coping strategies. If you're looking for another way forward, feel free to reach out and we can set up a free consultation to discuss further.

Grief and loss comes in many shapes and forms and can take a toll on various aspects of your life. Processing grief and loss takes time and is different for everyone but doesn’t have to be done alone. I will offer support, empathy, and a safe space for you to process your emotions openly. Together we will get through this difficult time in your life. You are not alone.

Grief and loss can vary from losing important people in our lives, to losing important parts of our lives (employment, identities, etc...). Depending on what my client needs and/or would like to attempt I work with them to process what these losses have meant for them and find meaning for life without them using Grief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and/or ACT Therapy. I may also use EMDR to process particularly difficult aspects of loss that are keeping client's stuck and unable to move forward with their lives.

Grief is a normal human experience that can feel abnormal when we are going through it. Some days may be sad days and some days may be fine. Sometimes humans feel grief over the loss of a loved one and sometimes grief can happen over the death of someone that may have been harmful. All are normal and you are normal for feeling those things. Asking for help during this time is a good thing. Send me a message so we can get you feeling better, faster.

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 some of the most difficult of concerns. Yet our grief is a natural reaction to having lost something or someone that was important or invaluable to us. I help individuals and couples focus in on unresolved grief/loss issues, to honor the memories while learning to move on with your life. As a result of my approach, you can learn to live with your loss, move on with your life, while honoring cherished memories.

Grief can be overwhelming to navigate on our own. One thing I have learned from my studies of Carl Jung and Sandra Ingerman is the importance of honoring your soul when you are grieving. I will hold the safe space for you to actively move through your grief so that you don't end up with depression or soul loss. Grief can be a beautiful process, like entering sacred grounds where you come to understand your own soul and its needs. I am always honored to guide a client through their grief. Grief work is often a catalyst for coming into more authenticity and self compassion, and developing a deeper understanding of concepts such as Soul mates, forgiveness, and how to create healthy closure.