Grief and Loss Counseling in Rolling Meadows, IL.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

We all experience a deep feeling of grief or loss at least once in our lives whether it is unexpected or suddenly. Grief isn't just secluded to the loss of a person but can also include a pet, home, divorce, or anything else you have felt a deep attachment to. Grief is a multi-faceted feeling that manifests itself differently in everyone. I have grieved and I believe I can help you with simply understanding and relating with how you're feeling.

In grief therapy, my approach is compassionate, grounded, and personalized. I offer a supportive space to help you process your loss at your own pace, without judgment or pressure to “move on.” We’ll explore the emotional, cognitive, and physical impact of grief, while also identifying ways to find meaning and connection in the midst of pain. I gently guide clients through the complexities of loss, helping them honor their experiences and move forward with care and clarity.

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. 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!

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.

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.