Grief and Loss Counseling in West Chicago, 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.

Here in the US we have a backward approach to grief in that we suffer in silence. I want to help you facilitate healing by allowing a full expression of emotion, to normalize the path of grief, and to hear the stories about the person(s), relationships, or even jobs you've lost. The benefit of grief counseling is it assists you moving forward and through all the stages.

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.

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.

Know that your most important thoughts and feelings are held with great care and sensitivity, as I listen closely and compassionately to your stories of grief, loss and change. Your personal experience is unique and valid for you, and it's ok that others' experiences are different. I will support and assist you as you talk, write, and find additional ways to express yourself and what your losses have meant to you, so that you will find healing and peace over time.

Grief and loss is a process that does not follow steps in a certain order. We help process the loss in the hopes of giving a strong meaning to the life event, so that you feel that you can carry whatever you feel that has been lost in a healthy way. Our goal is for clients to thaw and leave the process having a new meaning about their loss. Grief and loss can feel like a very lonely experience; however, a client does not have to be alone.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.