Grief and Loss Counseling in Lester Prairie, MN.

I do not believe we were created to handle death well. It is not something that comes naturally to us as humans. We don't understand it, we don't look forward to it, and we don't know how to help those who are in the middle of a situation where grief or loss are a constant part of their day. Grief is a process that requires you to accept things as they are while also being able to find peace, hope, and contentment in your present and future. If you are grieving the loss of someone close to you or you are watching someone you love slowly change into someone you don't know then please contact me and we can begin working through this journey together!

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.

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.

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.

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 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....