Grief and Loss Counseling in Cottage Lake, WA.

Grief and loss is, unfortunately, a normal part of living. There is no single "correct" way to grieve: different cultures and even individuals from the same culture grieve differently. The only consistent feature is that grief takes time. The most effective thing anyone can do for someone grieving is to be there—to listen, to empathize, to walk along with the grief. There is no "fixing" grief. But counseling can help prevent normal grief from developing into major depression or other mental health conditions.

The loss of a loved one is difficult to work through. It helps to have someone to talk to. Sometimes new relationships are difficult because of loss of past relationships and the abandonment we feel. It is hard to love, trust and move forward after loss and the grief that accompanies it. I provide a comfortable, confidential environment with tools to help you move into your future.

Is grief making it difficult to function in daily life, leaving you unable to enjoy living? Are you feeling overwhelmed by excessive bitterness, guilt or anger? Do you find yourself withdrawing from friends and family with near constant feelings of despair? If you find you answered yes to several or all of these questions, your grief may have evolved into clinical depression and it may be time to seek help. Be gentle with yourself, knowing there is no right or wrong way to grieve and all of your feelings are normal, even if it feels like you're going crazy. I will help you to understand what is happening to you and walk beside you as you move through your very personal grieving process.

Although grief is a normal reaction to loss, getting over a broken heart may be difficult. I support my clients as they move beyond their loss, whether it's death, divorce or the numerous other common life experiences which are losses such as moving, graduation, reitement, holidays, empty nest or health changes. I will help you find new meaning in life as you deal with the many feelings that grief brings. As I work with you to recover from your grief, you will learn some skills that allow you to deal with loss directly. Recovering from grief takes courage and it's so worth the effort as you begin to live more wholeheartedly!

Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, Ph.D approaches issues of grief & loss through the lens of innovation----instead of growing the same neural networks responsible for the pain in weekly therapy sessions, we reset the brain to move forward quicker and efficiently by working on the stuck limbic system so as to empower the person with more success and traction. For no one wants to stay in a grief mode for too long; but when you don’t include the brain in your work with someone, you risk describing the water to them while they drown and calling it success. Contact Grey Matters International, Inc now at kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161.

I have learned that grief and loss are experienced very uniquely from client to client. The stages of grief are not necessarily experienced linearly. Working through grief and loss is not so much about recovery as it is about finding ways to incorporate the experience into a new version of yourself. There are ways to be proactive in processing grief and tools available that can help you through this process.

Many times surprising emotions come up after a loss. Often much guilt, regret, anger and blame contribute to thoughts of what we could or should have done differently. These thoughts keep taking up space in the mind and stop us from processing and coming to terms with loss. I help clients during this difficult time by listening empathetically and using methods that help clients grieve in a healthy productive way. I help client find self-compassion, forgiveness and hope during this time time of adjustment.

How do you move on when desire, hope, a loved one, or the something core to you has been lost? I am hesitant to answer that question in words because I think that there are no cognitive solutions to loss. You may have experienced this. In some ways, the only way to work with the grief is to go straight through it. It is a difficult journey, one you may have just entered or one you may have found yourself in for years. I offer a caring hand in your journey through it.

Losing someone or something you love is profoundly painful. One of the greatest myths we hear is that “time heals all wounds.” In reality, time often deepens the ache unless we give ourselves permission to grieve. Healing requires space to mourn, honor what has been lost, and gently begin to carry it in a new way. It is my privilege to walk alongside clients as they move through grief toward healing, meaning, and peace.

Are you going through a break-up, separation, or divorce? Do you need help through this difficult period? I provide a safe, warm, and understanding space for you to go through the grief and healing process needed to recovery from any loss you may be experiencing. Some aspects of loss include: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. I will help guide you through the stages and help you get unstuck so that you can find the peace you want.

Grief and loss are very challenging. The difficulty of processing these complex emotions is compounded due to the fast paced nature of our lives pushing us forward, not providing the space and time for the necessary reflection. In order to move forward, we need time to grieve what has been lost. Our work begins with addressing the loss currently burdening your heart. It continues with examining the depth of the loss and its various levels of impact on your life. For example, losing one's mother could also mean the loss of a confidant, a cheerleader, a friend, an advocate etc. Finally, we will work together through the stages of your grief, supplementing with reading material when necessary.

Grieving and recovering from the Loss of a beloved companion can be difficult and traumatic. Many people are surprised and confused when they are caught off guard at the intensity of their emotions regarding the loss of a loved one. Sometimes friends and family offer all of the care you need, but if you need more help and support, working with therapist can give you the additional warmth and nurturing care you need to move through your grief. I specialize in helping grieving clients to process their grief, so they can find peace again.

When you're going through a time of significant loss, our therapists at Mill Creek Family Services provide the support, care and understanding you need. We come alongside you with genuine warmth and compassion as you move through your time of grief. During a time that you just want the deep hurt to go away, we offer you a companion on your path as we shine a light in the direction of hope and renewal.