Grief and Loss Counseling in Bartlett, IL.

Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one? Even a job loss or the loss of a relationship such as divorce can bring on feelings of grief. Are you experiencing feelings of anger, guilt, sadness and confusion? It may seem impossible to return to "normal" life. You may feel unprepared to deal with what is happening around you. Unfortunately, we will all experience grief in our lifetime. There is no "correct" way to express grief, but it can be softened and even resolved with kind and compassionate care. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Processing a loss or trauma occurs in many ways, starting with talking. Losses by death of family and friends are likely our greatest losses in life. Maybe you didn't consider retirement, moving away, a serious heath diagnosis, or the end of a longterm friendship as a loss. Loss is actually uncontrollable change. Talking about how you are feeling is how you begin to let go. Time does not really heal all wounds. It is what you do with time that heals the wound.

There are multiple forms of loss, ranging from lost friendship to to the loss of a loved one, which could be a pet or a person. I would encourage open communication about feelings and strongly believe that an individual's feelings should not be judged or criticized. I would also encourage the individual to allow sufficient time to recover from their loss; there is no "right" amount of time to process a loss.

Regardless of whether it is bereavement, or any other significant loss we are here to assist you with processing your grief and to support you in your journey of healing. Losses can include financial, property, health, relationships, pets, and/or custody. All losses are difficult. Losses produce an array of emotions, anger, fear, anxiety, and depression to name a few. We will assist in facilitating your emotional rehabilitation.

We are committed to meeting the needs of people who are struggling with grief and loss issues. We want to provide guidance and resources to help you work through your loss in healthy ways. Once a person faces the reality of a loss in his/her life he/she must experience grief. Because grief is a process, someone said, “The only way out of grief is through”. Grief forces us to deal with and face the pain of loss and work through the stages. As a licensed, clinical, professional counseling practice, we offer help. Though you will never forget your loved one - our goal is to help you identify how to move forward finding spiritual and practical resources to help you through it.

The key areas of grief and loss is learning to create what is known as a "new normal". This new normal can be created after a death, loss of job or even the loss of a relationship like divorce. Being able to understand the grief steps and what to expect brings hope to individuals and families who may have just had what they once new as normal completely change sometimes overnight.

Grief is overwhelming, scary and profound, affecting every area of life. Life will never be the same. You can feel lost. Each person grieving is in uncharted territory, because the pain can be immense, and the process of grief is unique like one's fingerprint. There are commonalities and beacons to chart your progress, but moving through anger, fear, and sadness can feel like a solo act. It takes a sensitive approach to integrate this new reality that feels so empty. We believe in finding ways to honor your losses as part of your life, not just move on. Moving through bitterness in grief to a place of sweet memories, or even gratitude, is not meant for someone to do alone.

The death or loss of a loved one can be one of the most difficult events that you ever have to face. Sometimes therapy is needed to help you learn to cope with the thoughts and feelings that you are dealing with. If after a period of time, you have difficulty completing your every day activities and coping with life, it may be beneficial to meet with a professional. You may be "stuck" in one of the stages of the normal grieving process.

I specialize in short-term grief and loss as well as prolonged bereavement. Loss of loved ones, loss of health, a job, survivors' guilt, or any significant loss in life can cause periods of extreme sadness, anger and a myriad of other emotions. I work with my clients to process their loss and move through the adjustment period so as to come to a place of peace and acceptance.

Healing in the grief process looks different for everyone and I can provide a space for you to feel and share what you need to. I will provide support and empathetic listening to remind you that you are not alone during this difficult time. We can also identify other ways to connect with others and feel supported within your friends and family as well. Although nothing can fix a loss, therapy can be a powerful tool in the process to experience some relief and begin to heal.

Relying on personal (death of spouse/other family members/close friends) as well as professional training and experience, Grief Therapy is one of my specialties, including therapy for those affected by a loved one's suicide. Your grief journey is unique, and each loss is different. Therapy can help you to successfully navigate your way through the grief process and to learn that much of what you feel is a normal, natural part of the painful and often difficult grief process.

Losing a loved one is probably one of the most difficult challenges we can endure. Our entire perspective on life can change in an instant. Your greif experience is unique because only you know the nuances of your relationship to the person you lost. This is a time to be gentle with yourself as you move through the stages of grief but also to make healthy choices for yourself, which is not always easy to do on your own. I'd be honored to walk with you through this painful time as you explore your thoughts and feelings and learn to embrace life without your loved one.

I work with those experiencing grief and loss, and provide a safe, empathic, and understanding environment for you to have the space to process this tragedy. I am here to listen to you, support you, help process the chaos of this experience, and provide any guidance if necessary and when appropriate. I have experience helping those who have lost loved ones, are going through a traumatic loss, and/ or are experiencing complicated grief. I am here to support you on your journey to healing and putting the pieces back together.