Grief and Loss Counseling in Downers Grove, IL.

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.

Lose can be painful. Losing someone or something you love or care deeply about never arrives in our lives at a good time. During our periods of loss we may experience all kinds of difficult emotions and it may feel like the pain and sadness each of us experience may never end. Anger, anxiety or depression may be overwhelming. These reactions to a significant loss are normal. As your counselor, we will journey with you during this time of grief. We will not tell you the right or wrong way to grieve, but we can guide you with healthy ways to cope with the pain that, in time, can renew you and permit you to move on. Rather than tolerating your loss we will assist you in accepting the loss. As you k....

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.

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.