Grief and Loss Counseling in Durham, NC.

While grieving is a healthy and normal life experience, it can also be hard, lonely, and confusing. Loved ones don't always know how best to support us. The unpredictable nature, intensity, and sheer variety of emotions we experience may make us feel like strangers to ourselves. In my work, I help clients to cope with the impact grief has on their moods, behaviors, thoughts, beliefs, physical well-being, relationships, work, and sense of self. I act as a compassionate guide, teacher, and deep listener as clients find their way through the pain of loss to a sense of healing. We may use written exercises, creative arts, or create rituals, according to a client's needs and wishes.

The experience of losing a cherished friend, family member or loved one can be overwhelming. Feelings of sadness, anger, loneliness and even numbness are common during the grieving process. I help clients explore, process and find a way to better understand and cope with grief through supportive counseling set at the client's pace. I will assist you with getting through the day-to-day challenges after loss in addition to working towards long term healing.

Our Therapists & Counselors are trained in helping clients navigate grief and/or loss. We understand the difficulties associated with processing trauma and ensure our treatment approaches and goals are designed with the individual needs of the client. We believe the client is in control of their needs and we are here to guide them through the process.

Grief is a healthy and normal reaction most frequently related to the loss of a loved one or a special pet. However, grief can also manifest from one's loss of independence due to illness or disability, loss of employment, or an empty nest. My approach is different from stage-based views in that I believe grief is felt differently by individuals, depending upon relationships, attachments, and cultural values and norms. I match evidence-based practices to my clients personal values and experiences of grief. Together, we address grief symptoms and relieve distress, but also explore restorative activities, such as self-care and finding meaning in a new life without a loved one.

Losing someone you have loved is very painful. Many difficult emotions may arise such as fear, anger, shock, uncertainty about your own mortality, guilt, etc. It is normal and natural to go through a period of time where you feel the loss at a very deep level. It is important to let yourself feel the loss instead of avoiding or coping with it in unhealthy ways. It is also important to know that these feelings will lessen, and you may find that your loss may turn into an opportunity for deep discovery. Everyone is different; therefore, everyone’s length of time and style of grieving is different. But, there is no shame in asking for support if you feel your grief is causing a significant chan