Grief and Loss Counseling in Lakeville, MN.

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....

The only way I know to help someone experience grief and loss is to create a safe place for them to feel their emotions and help them eventually make sense of their sorrow. I use empathy, compassion and a non-judgmental approach to hold your pain when sometimes the burden is too heavy. My particular specialty is grief and loss associated with reproductive concerns and I have a certificate in Maternal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International.

Grief counseling helps people cope with grief and mourning following the loss of a loved one or due to major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (i.e. job loss or divorce). It provides a space for individuals to work through and process the complex emotions surrounding loss. Healthy grieving results in remembering the loss with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.

Grief and Loss is a natural part of life, and sadly our culture doesn’t make much time for the process. Everything is so fast paced, and we are supposed to bounce back to our old selves quickly. Well, it takes time to mourn our losses, and it is so useful to have someone to listen with patience and compassion for as long as it takes to adapt to such momentous changes. If you decide to work with me, you will find a place to process your feelings, in your own time, alongside someone who is compassionate, warm and understanding. I encourage you to call to set up a complimentary, 30 minute consultation and see if we are a good fit.

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.

Are you asking: What is the right way to grieve? How do I help my children cope with losing someone while I am grieving? How do I work through my guilty feelings surrounding this death? Why am I sad about losing someone who hurt me? Why am I not sad? Will this pain ever get better? There is no right way to grieve. There may be healthier ways for you to grieve that will help you move through the intense feelings. Often, it is most important to make time to remember the good times, to process the painful memories connected with that person and to reconnect with life. I specialize in providing individual, couple or family grief counseling to adolescents, adults, veterans, and first responders.

Have people told you that you need to "move on", "get over it" or "they are in a better place"? Grief is a complicated issue and healing can take some time. We will work together to honor your personal journey. For many their goal is to work toward resolution of the loss so that the feelings of pain are lessened and the memories of the lost loved one are held dear. Each individual is unique and our work together will be based on your personal life story. If there is trauma involved in the loss Connie Studer, MA, LMFT is skilled in trauma resolution.

Loss isn’t something we “get over.” It’s something we get through. And healing takes time. Relationships don’t end when someone you love dies, leaves home, or gives up. You continue to carry that person with you going forward. It’s important to be patient with the grief process, and to talk about your loss with someone who doesn’t try to rush you, or paint a smiley face on your loss. Let’s talk. Let’s celebrate what was good, what you will miss, what made that relationship unique. Shakespeare said it best when he suggested we “Give sorrow words.” Talking is healing when someone really understands.

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.

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.

Overcoming grief and loss requires a balance of experiencing emotional pain and the conscious attempt to move forward in life in positive ways. This is a delicate balance and healing may take time. But there is always hope for a positive future that must be nurtured within the reality of one's loss.There must be an authentic experiencing of the feelings of hurt and pain. And this may take considerable time and patience, though every person is different in the way that they handle loss. Every person should be respected in their path taken for personal healing.

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.

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.