Grief and Loss Counseling in West Chicago, IL.

Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one? Even a job loss or the loss of a relationship such as divorce can bring on feelings of grief. Are you experiencing feelings of anger, guilt, sadness and confusion? It may seem impossible to return to "normal" life. You may feel unprepared to deal with what is happening around you. Unfortunately, we will all experience grief in our lifetime. There is no "correct" way to express grief, but it can be softened and even resolved with kind and compassionate care. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.