Grief and Loss Counseling in Livonia, MI.

Grief and loss is something we can't avoid in life. I have learned we need to face it and live through it. I personally know the pain caused by divorce and the death of family members having lost my son, Scott, at the age of 29. However, as we talk about it and share its pain, I believe we can get through the dark valleys of life to get to the other side.

Everyone experiences loss (loss of loved ones, our own health/ability, our dreams, etc.) and we all need to grieve in our own unique way. The most frequent question people asked me when I was a hospice Bereavement Coordinator was, "Am I grieving normally?" Almost every time, the answer was a resounding "Yes!" While there are certain common experiences with grief, there are no hard and fast rules (or even steps, as some contend) and there are definitely no timetables.

Often times, scheduling your first appointment is one of the most difficult steps of the counseling process; I'm glad you're here. During our time together, I hope to offer you support in the areas in which you are having difficulty. There are various methods of Personal Counseling, each based on the individual counselor and the needs of the client.

I know personally what it is to experience loss. My clients sense I can relate to their unique situation, and are surprised to learn about the User-Friendly tools that help each person to maximize their recovery in a short period of time!!! I help them to determine their losses from the event and the feelings associated with these losses. Then we examine the consequences of the loss-feeling combinations. Often we use EMDR from there to settle the feelings and turn around any negative self-belief that has arisen from the losses. This turns out to be a fairly quick process even for those who have years of grief over their loss(es).

When someone we love dies it shatters our world. After the shock wears off the pain sets in and life becomes a struggle as we try to rebuild our life without the person we love. Healing from grief takes time, longer than most people realize. My prior experience as a Hospice bereavement counselor has given me an in depth understanding of the grieving process. The approach I use helps the grieving person understand the bereavement process in order to normalize their grief and give expression to their many emotions. I also address the other factors that may complicate the grief. Grief counseling can help you begin to heal and eventually find meaning and purpose in your life.

I provide a safe and supportive environment in which to help you deal with the pain of grief and loss, from the death of a loved one or loss of a pet, to divorce or the end of a career. Together, we'll explore the emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and practical impacts that grief and loss can have on your life, as well as ways to take care of yourself during this difficult time.

Recognizing that people deal with loss and grief in a variety of ways that are unique to who they are, there prior experiences with loss and grief, I meet each person where they are at and attempt to faciliate them through their grieving process that is unique to who each person is utilizing their strengths. In addition, I educate clients on the different feelings, etc. that they might be experiencing and help them label it in a way that makes sense for them and who they are.

The grieving process is different for every individual and it happens at your own time and at your own pace. Feelings surrounding that grief and loss can vary and be very confusing to most people. Although grief and loss is a part of life but I don't think there is anything you can do to truly prepare for it. No one way of grieving is better than any other, so I can help you find your way!