Grief and Loss Counseling in Jenison, MI.

Losing someone or something is incredibly hard. I believe that one of the great myths that we are told is simply that “time heals all wounds.” Time can actually reinforce the pain of loss and it is important to mourn and grieve that which we no longer have. I am honored to partner with my clients on their journey through healing and finding peace after a loss. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Grief is a natural reaction to any form of loss, especially someone’s death. It goes beyond mere sadness and often evokes feelings of confusion, doubt, guilt, anger, and other complex emotions. ​ There’s no right way to grieve — everyone reacts to loss differently and grieves in their own way. There’s also no normal duration for grief; it may take months or years to accept the loss of a loved one. Nonetheless, most people can indeed recover from loss with the help of a great social support network and healthy coping mechanisms. Grief counseling provides the necessary support for those finding it hard to recover.

People tend to deal with grief and loss in different, very individualized ways. I like to allow my clients to express their grief how and when they feel comfortable to do so. Generally as my client goes through the various stages of grief, I will meet them where they are at, allowing them to express what they need to get through the grief. It is important for a client to wade through their feelings rather than push past and repress them. The tools I can provide my clients help them get through these highly emotional moments and move onto healing process.

Grief therapy aims to help people cope with grief and mourning following the death of loved ones, or with major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (e.g., divorce, major illness). Everyone experiences and expresses grief in their own way, often shaped by culture. They believe that it is not uncommon for a person to withdraw from their friends and family and feel helpless; some might be angry. One can expect a wide range of emotion and behavior associated with grief. We believe that in all places and cultures, the grieving person benefits from the support of others.

Grief and loss are a part of everyone's life. But everyone copes with sorrow differently. Using empathy and personal life experiences I help clients understand the stages of grief as it can apply to death, divorce or moving. Teaching of the comforting role of the Holy Spirit is part of the growth through pain process. Referrals to grief support groups available upon request.

When we lose someone, it can feel incredibly painful to move forward. Some may get stuck, frozen in time. Some may carry on in a functional kind of way, but feel compelled to compartmentalize feelings associated with the loss. Both responses are out of a wish to remain close and connected to the person they loved. If you're seeking therapy, you probably already know that these strategies don't really work. But our approach is not about "letting go". Instead, while it may sound counterintuitive, we are rooted in the understanding that fully integrating the loss and finding a way forward is what will actually help you feel even more connected than ever.

My approach to work with clients with grief and loss is to allow the natural process of grief to take place. One needs to feel safe and secure to enhance the process to be expressed. All avenues are covered in the context of what is best for the healing and acceptance of the lost. IT takes time and I want my clients to feel like they are directing the outcome to healing.

Are you using alcohol, substances, or addictive behaviors to cope with grief and loss? Although they provide relief in the short term, their long-term effects on your relationships and health can make it even more difficult to cope. Through a compassionate non-judgmental approach, I help clients explore their relationship to grief and loss so that they can overcome addictive coping strategies. If you're looking for another way forward, feel free to reach out and we can set up a free consultation to discuss further.