Grief and Loss Counseling in Des Plaines, IL.

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.

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.

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.

While everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time, losing a loved one feels devastating. Furthermore, grief can be complicated by other conditions such as depression and level of dependence on the departed. The good news is that therapy is a very effective way to manage grief symptoms and cope with stressors from the loss. When you see me for grief & loss therapy, we will discuss how the grief is impacting your life and create a plan together to accelerate the healing process without losing any healthy emotional connections with the deceased. Give me a call today for a free consultation and we can put together a preliminary plan over the telephone.

Grieving is a deeply personal process that can bring intense sadness, confusion, or even numbness. I offer a compassionate and safe space to help you process your emotions, honor your loss, and move toward healing—at your own pace. Through support and reflection, you can rediscover meaning, find comfort in memories, and learn to carry your grief in ways that feel manageable and grounded.

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.

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.

Grief looks different on everyone. Losing someone or something has different implications for everyone and we can experience a variety of emotions. Grief can happen not only after a death but also due to a breakup, friendships ending, moving, change in identity such as due to an illness, and more. Let’s explore what grief looks like for YOU and the emotions that come with it. I am here to meet you where you are at and at your pace. It’s not about “moving on”. It’s about learning what life looks like now and what is in your control. It’s about finding healing but healing is not the absence of pain.

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.

Grief. If you're looking here, I am guessing you are going through something very tough. I'm so sorry for your loss. Grief is like waves of the ocean, sometimes big, sometimes small and many times unexpected like in the chip aisle at the grocery store. I have worked with many types of grief including divorce, cancer diagnosis, sexual abuse survivor, and several others. Many times friends, family, or a pastor are just the ticket to help a healing heart. Other times it is helpful to have a professional walk with you through these losses, feel more normal about your feelings, and come to gradual healing through just being together. Reach out today, you don't have to be alone!

In my approach to grief and loss therapy, I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can process their emotions at their own pace. I integrate evidence-based practices such as narrative therapy and mindfulness to help individuals explore their loss, acknowledge the complexities of their grief, and find pathways to healing. Clients benefit from tailored support that honors their unique experiences while fostering resilience and acceptance. My goal is to help clients build meaning and navigate their journey with empathy, leading to eventual emotional growth and restoration.

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.

Personal loss is a painful process and requires time to heal. Having a healthy means to work through grief is important. In my counseling experience I have had the opportunity to walk many individuals through the grief process. Because of my background in Christian ministry I find that I can also help people sort through the questions they have about faith and loss. One of the common questions I hear is, "How can a loving God allow this to happen?" If you are struggling with loss and have more questions than answers you need to find a safe place to process your feelings, find comfort and hope. I would like to walk this journey with you.