Grief and Loss Counseling in Lauderdale, MN.

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.

I have extensive experience working with grief and loss. I have worked with every type of loss and understand the importance of having someone sit with you in your grief and help you understand and navigate what you are feeling. I have worked extensively with parents who have had a child die and understand the unique complexities of that type of loss. I don't think people get "over" losses but rather their grief and feelings changes throughout the years.

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.

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 Buddhists say. Our 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. We use a strengths based approach to grief work. Each person knows what is best for them to heal and we yield to that internal wisdom.