Grief and Loss Counseling in Lowes Island, VA.

Everyone reacts to death differently. Some become numb and will eventually disconnect from friends. Despair sets in as the reality of the loss settles. The grieving process can be long and isolating. My objective is to counsel the soul with methods generated by the Spirit of God. So that the process is in reliance to Him. Receiving reassurance and feeling understood is also part of the counseling process and will make the recovery process more complete during one of life's most challenging times. Even Jesus wept. It is okay to do so. It is both natural and biblical to grieve. It is part of the healing process that I look forward to helping you through. You are not alone.

Though I don't pathologies grief and loss, I help to prevent it from continuing to burden your life by (1) allowing you to freely talk about the deceased; (2) assisting with distinguishing grief from a traumatic event, and (3) assist you in dealing with any guilt and effectively organize your grief. We support persons encountering grief, adjusting to loss, in need of bereavement care, as well as seeking support while facing an anticipated loss.

Grief & Loss For those who grieve, I offer support and encouragement for healing from their loss. Working through shock, numbness, denial, and disbelief is common to the grieving process, as well as emotions such as anger, guilt, and depression that may emerge. I support my clients in working through their grief, which helps them avoid physical or psychological symptoms. Readjustment and transformation develop gradually, as a new life emerges.

When a loved one exits your life, chaos enters. People tell you they know how you feel, but you know the truth: the grief response is unique to each individual. No one can crawl into your head and truly get your experience of loss. And reconciling your life with a loved one's death is overwhelming. Yet it can be done. It won't be easy, but change is possible. I learned this truth from my own experience of grief that began with the unexpected death of my husband. If my thoughts resonate with you, contact me. We can discuss your concerns and determine if I'm a good fit. You don't have to walk this road of loss alone.

As much as any of us might wish grief and loss weren't a part of life, if we can integrate them into who you become, we really do grow to a better version of ourselves. The pain of grief isn't something to "get over," and the messages we sometimes get from others to do it can lead to withdrawal, more pain, and more feelings of loss. Working through your grief isn't about "closure" -- trying to close the door on your sadness and loss doesn't serve you. But with support, you can find your way forward to growth, joy, and a fuller life.

Grief and loss are some of the most difficult issues we can encounter. The feelings can be very intense and feel as though they will never end. All feelings have a beginning, a middle, and an end. As we move through the stages of grief, we can feel confused about what is normal and what is to be expected. Seeking help will allow you to move through your issues more quickly and effectively. I will assist you in moving through the grief process towards healing and expanded growth.

Handling loss sometimes feels impossible. Learning to live without the lost loved one oftentimes leads to feelings of hopelessness and fear of the unknown. I work with my clients to celebrate the ones we have lost as well as find ways to continue. I make sure that we don't go too fast in trying to "get over" the pain of loss. It's important to both celebrate our loved ones while we learn to move on without them.

Grief and loss can require therapy because they frequently involve trauma--death, divorce, moves, job losses. They lead to a feeling of loss-of-control in many areas of life, even when the control you had is actually still there. In therapy, we work through the loss and accompanying grief, and find ways to express your feelings while still recognizing the trauma--and the reasons for the loss. We create coping mechanisms and turn negative ideas into positive ones.

When grief and loss occur unexpectedly, or even after an illness, it can have a profound, even shattering impact on daily life. And, although grief is not an illness, getting through the process of grief may require support. Sharing the story of loss can reduce symptoms of grief such as avoiding feelings of guilt, emptiness, sadness, depression and even the unspoken emotions of tearfulness. Each story of loss is unique and requires different approaches to get you back to life and happiness. Healing takes courage, I am here to help you find a new story of life, love and self. Loss can seem senseless, and with time, it can be channeled into new meanings and purpose.

There is no right way to grieve. Each person and each experience is different. Loss affects even the strongest relationships and people can feel off balance for a long time. Sometimes people feel like they will never be happy again or feel guilty when they do experience a moment of pleasure. We will help you explore where you may be feeling stuck and develop ways to adjust to a new normal.

The death of a loved one can be extremely painful. For some, loss and grief can become prolonged and severe and can negatively impact functioning. Our team of highly trained and experienced psychiatrists and therapists are here to assist you during your loss. Your doctor or therapist at APS will work closely with you to tailor your treatment to your needs. There are times when counseling alone can be sufficient for reducing symptoms and for getting you back to a healthy place. At other times, medication may be needed in conjunction with therapy. APS is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of specialists who can also work closely together to coordinator your care in your time of need.

Grief is an intense feeling of sadness or sorrow. You can try to suppress your grief but can’t avoid it forever. We are here to help you face it head-on with bereavement therapy. Understanding the different types of grief is important so we’re better prepared and so we can be supportive of others who are going through it. It's your battle, but you don't need to fight alone. We are here to help you with grief counseling.

Learning how to healthily grieve is foundational to experiencing peace in the midst of a broken world. We all experience various forms of loss, from the "little" disappointments that we don't even consciously notice, to the catastrophic losses that feel as though they will drown us. We are relational beings who are meant to grieve and work through all of these in the context of relationships. As one who is no stranger to loss, I know how scared we can be to face our grief and loss. And I know the great peace and strength that comes through doing so. I would be honored to guide and walk with you in your grief journey, helping you to eventually find new life on the other side of your loss.