Grief and Loss Counseling in Lakeville, MN.

Grief and loss is a frequent issue among substance abusers and people in recovery. People can experience a significant sense of grief and loss for a variety of reasons, not just from the death of a loved one. Any loss viewed as significant to the individual can bring on the grieving process: loss of a pet, job, home, relationship, child, a life transition such as high school or college graduation or retirement, the coming out process for an individual of the LGBT community, or their loved ones and the loss of “what they thought the persons future would bring” can be a loss. I can help clients work through the various emotions associated with their loss as part of their healing process.

Grief is part of life as the buddists say. My approach is to help clients accept the loss by working through the pain, without feeling alone that way they can adjust to the loss and move on. Grief is painful. It is easier to deal with when one does not feel so alone. I use a strength based approach to grief work. Each person knows what is best for them to heal and I yeild to that internal wisdom.

When you lose someone or something that you love, it can feel as though your world has ended. Everyone reacts to grief and loss differently. For example, one person may cope by denying that the loss has happened, another person may bury his/her hurt in busy behaviors (such as working), while others may be able to express their sadness in a direct manner. All are common responses to loss. Grief can prove difficult: it may abate and then reappear seemingly out of nowhere. Or in the case of couples, different grief reactions can result in significant conflict. Our work together can address the common feelings associated with grief, improve overall coping, and increase acceptance of the loss

Grief is sometimes a lonely journey. Each person reacts to loss in their own way and on their own time schedule. I approach psychotherapy for grief and loss as an opportunity to learn about the cycle of grief. I want to learn more about you and where you are at in the process. Similarly, I try to give practical tips for dealing with sad moments while supporting you through the process.

Grieving is different than depression! At times we may not be able to distinguish between the two. Grieving is a very individual process. We all do it differently. It can result from the death of someone significant in our lives, but also from other events too. For example, meeting a long-term goal, divorce, the loss of physical health & functioning, loss of a job, or after a traumatic experience. To grieve effectively any of us need support and encouragement to face the needs and painful feelings that we often would prefer to avoid. I find that providing a warm, safe environment and supportive guidance allows my clients to feel what they need to feel in order to integrate painful losses.

People who work with me on grief and loss will benefit from my person-centered and non-pathologizing approach. When we loose someone or something that has deep meaning in our lives, it is only natural that our lives are disrupted. I provide people with the support, time and space they need to move through grief and loss at a pace that is right for them.

Grief is a reaction to loss, and it can be intensely painful and overwhelming, often involving complex feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, hopelessness, and longing. Grieving is a process and it takes time, even though well-meaning friends and family may grow impatient and suggest you “get over it” or “move on.” It is a process of learning how to live in a world that has changed in fundamental ways, whether due to the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, moving or losing a job, or countless other reasons. As a therapist, I can help you bear and understand the painful feelings that keep company with grief, and, over time, come to find meaning in a changed world despite your losses.

I work a great deal with trauma issues. I consider trauma a loss. I offer EMDR therapy for trauma and loss issues and trauma for veterans. Patients who have suffered for years from anxiety or distressing memories, nightmares, insomnia, abuse or other traumatic events can now gain relief from a therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). Research shows that EMDR is rapid, safe and effective. EMDR does not involve the use of drugs or hypnosis. It is a simple, non-invasive patient-therapist collaboration in which healing can happen effectively. Many patients who have made slow progress in the past benefit greatly with EMDR.

Losing a loved one is often a time of disruption and chaos, of sadness and loneliness. The predictability of "models of grieving" and their accompanying stages are often helpful, but can also be limiting in that no one person's process is just like anyone else's. When working with grief and loss, I help my client to remember the person they loved, and strive to meet my client where he or she at with their thoughts and feelings. The counseling may just be one or two sessions or may last over a year, depending on the circumstances and needs of my client.

When someone experiences loss, they may not move through the typical "stages" of grief that are so commonly talked about. This can trigger feelings of shame and guilt. They may wonder why they aren't "over it" or others may ask why they haven't "moved on". In therapy, we will focus on letting your experience of grief be what it is rather than fighting it or trying to grieve a certain way. Letting go of "should" and accepting what is can be incredibly freeing and often provides some relief right away. Grief comes in waves over time so we will deal with these waves as they come and help you find effective ways to manage them. I will support you in processing grief in your own way and own time.

The impact of loss in our lives can be devastating and often impacts one's desire for life. The meaning of your life may seem very different when you experience a loss. Loss and grief often result in some form of depression or anxiety. Sometimes you may just try and divert the pain by becoming over involved in areas of your life. The effort of trying to bury the pain only serves to enhance the loss. Therefore, seeking help for your loss in therapy can be crucial. While working with you, we can begin to understand the meaning of your loss and the painful feelings. Receiving professional psychological services can help you endure the loss and still live your life with purpose.

Both sudden and anticipated loss of a loved one is difficult. The grieving process is a natural way in which we work though the adjustment to the loss we experience. Processing your loss is not prescriptive. The grieving process is different for everyone. If you are deeply depressed by your loss, or if you are having a difficult time adjusting to your loss please call me.

Grief and loss do not necessarily relate to just death. ~ The loss of family through divorce, drug or alcohol use, or anger is another aspect where one feels grief and loss. ~ Loss of an ideal for a job, the ideal child, ideal spouse or ideal self is also an area of grief and loss. ~ The loss of one’s health or that of someone close to them through illness or an accident is also an area of grief and loss.~ My point is there are many circumstances where one may feel grief and loss. ~ We will identify your area of grief and loss and develop a plan of action to help understand and face the reality of a changed future due to this loss together. It is a difficult journey but one that is made easier w....