Grief and Loss Counseling in Carol Stream, IL.

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.

"As for grief, you'll find it comes in waves. When the ship is first wrecked, you're drowning, with wreckage all around you. You find some piece of the wreckage and you hang on for a while. Maybe it's some physical thing. Maybe it's a happy memory. Maybe it's a person who is also floating. For a while, all you can do is float. Stay alive." Grief and loss comes in all forms - from job loss to death of a loved one. Emotional based therapy will help you cope with the loss and adjust to a "new normal". I'll help you explore the loss, your grieving process, and help you find closure.

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.

Some of the benefits in seeking counseling for grief and loss are: Having a safe space to fully express your grief Having the support of a compassionate therapist to guide you through the various stages of your loss Having the support of someone who can share ideas of ways to honor your loss Gaining insight and acceptance for losses in your life when the loss is in the form of an ended relationship, such as divorce, separation or family/friendship

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.

I like to help the person work through grief and loss by helping them connect with their sorrow and bring loving closure to those relationships. This may include role playing and also narrative writing allowing them to express their feelings, memories, regrets, etc. Often we may create an experience where they can say goodbye and begin to let go and move on.

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.

Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences in life. Losing abilities or functioning in chronic pain is a loss of another kind, but a loss nevertheless. Getting past the numbness and overwhelming pain is a uniquely personal process with a very individual timeline. I provide loving support and understanding of the grief process while carefully encouraging you to move forward when ready to see and understand the new landscape you are now living.

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.

Grief can come from a death of a loved one, a relationship breakup, losing a job, health changes, pet loss, and many other areas. Losing someone or something you love is a very painful experience. I will help guide you through your grieving in a supportive and understanding way. Grief counseling can help you find your motivation again, improve your sleep, manage any guilt, and learn ways to deal with regret.

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.

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.

Grief counseling applies to many types of loss, not just death. Counseling for loss can be an opportunity to memorialize the person, relationship, or experience you lost. Counseling should include the joy and laughter of the loss as well as the sadness and pain. Uncomplicated grief counseling can be short-term, 1-6 sessions, and is covered by insurance in many cases.