Grief and Loss Counseling in El Dorado Hills, CA.

When you lose something or someone important or close to you, it may be difficult to make sense of life or to feel that others can relate to or understand what you are going through. If you need someone to talk to about what happened, I am here for you. I understand that sadness is often something that shouldn't be fixed, but embraced. I also specialize in helping people who were hurt or abused by the deceased. Grief and Loss is a painful time of life, one that every human being goes through. You are not alone. I will come alongside you through the anger, loneliness, fear, shock, and panic. In the middle of the grief, the way forward can bring hope, strength, peace and freedom from guilt.

Free 30 minute zoom call - Grief & Loss are normal experiences in life. Yet, they are often overwhelming - combining experiences of sadness, fear, anxiety, surprise & disorientation, frustration, worry, loneliness, confusion & more. Grief is truly not meant to be experienced alone. The guidance of a caring therapist as well as the support of loving, friends, family & community is invaluable and truly needed. Grief takes time, comes in waves and needs expression in multiple ways, through tears, writing, talking and the help of a grief counselor.

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.

A part of you also dies when you lose a person you love. The best way to honor or loved ones who have passed is to become the best version of ourselves, to live the life that has been given us to live. A personal loss makes it hard to face live, to think of the future, and to care about things that used to matter. I’d love to help you find your way again.

Life is full of endings and losses of all kinds - some natural and expected, others tragic and unexpected. Many times, your friends and family are not able to offer the depth of support needed to help with the pain and anguish you are feeling, as much as they love you and do their very best. Having a safe, nurturing place to grieve and heal can help you integrate and adjust to losses and endings in your life. Every ending is also a new beginning. You deserve as much time as you need to experience your grief. Finding meaning and hope after loss is the next step after grieving. Let's work on both!

I tell my clients that everyone grieves in their own, unique way, and that there is no "right way" to grieve. Sooner or later, we all face major losses of loved ones, and the grief involved can feel devastating. I provide loving support and help my clients connect with grief and loss support groups and other supports. We explore what the loss means for my client and ways to honor the memories of the loved one. We also explore and process unfinished, incomplete, or difficult losses that involve anger, shame, resentment, and deep disappointment.

Grief can occur from losing a relationship, losing a loved one or many other transitions or losses. Life seems to go on around you, but the hurt and sadness can take a long time to recover from. Family can only help for so long. Getting professional help is a step toward the beginnings of recovery. Overcoming grief is about processing your emotions, honoring the loss and creating small steps to a new life. Timing is individual and not everyone grieves in the same way. I would be honored to help you start feeling better.

I believe we are meant to love. But as loving human beings, the loss of important people in our lives is one of our most difficult challenges. Let me help you move through your grief, staying gently with you as you mourn. Grief has it's own timeline, with healing occurring quietly and inconsistently. Over time and with support, you will begin to experience hope, and even joy again.

Each experience of grief is unique, complex, and personal, and I will tailor treatment to meet your specific needs. I will help you find different ways to maintain healthy connections with the deceased through memory, reflection, ritual, or dialogue about the deceased and with the deceased. I will help you view your grief and loss with curiosity and without judgment, in an effort to understand and heal. I can help you recognize and access your inner strength, autonomy, and capacity to step back into life after loss.

Grief is a normal part of loving and losing the person you loved. For many, however, it can become overwhelming and even lead to symptoms of depression. Or maybe you think you should be over it by now, and can't understand why you're not. For five years, I volunteered with Hospice, helping people with complicated bereavement issues to come to terms with the loss of the one who had been so important in their lives. You don't have to carry this alone. Get the support and relief you need as you say good-bye to your loved one so that you can move forward again in your life.

Grief and loss is a part of so much more than many recognize in every day life. Most folks are familiar with the Kubler-Ross stages, but processing grief is much more than those five stages. There are tasks of mourning that can be explored and expanded with support in therapy. There are secondary losses as a result of an initial loss. Grief impacts how open we feel to new relationships in our lives. I work with clients to help them understand their responses to grief, move through their grief and feelings through expressive arts and verbal processing.

Loss is like an emotional injury that requires grief to heal. There is a natural healing process that occurs, but sometimes our grief does not resolve and therapy can help support you during the natural process of healing or help when healing is not progressing. I will help you accept the reality of the loss, have a safe place to experience and understand the pain of grief, and adjust to the loss and all that it requires to create a "new normal." Moving forward means finding meaning in life in spite of the loss and also holding on to and remembering the parts of the loss that held joy.

So much of my experience as a therapist has roots in supporting clients with grief and loss. Grief is a process, and I can guide you through each phase of grief. We all grieve in our own time, but it's best to do so with a therapist. By allowing the feelings (anger, sadness, frustration, fear, sorrow) to flow through you, the grieving process will happen at a healthier pace. If you feel lost, alone, and struggling to process a loss, I can be your guide. Facing hospice, palliative care, or the loss of a loved one suddenly can each have its own special set of challenges. This is a personal journey, and I am here to offer you support, understanding, and a safe place.

Grief and loss comes in many shapes and forms and can take a toll on various aspects of your life. Processing grief and loss takes time and is different for everyone but doesn’t have to be done alone. I will offer support, empathy, and a safe space for you to process your emotions openly. Together we will get through this difficult time in your life. You are not alone.

Feeling alone in your sorrow? Grief and loss are incredibly lonely feelings. I have found that my clients find relief and comfort when they can talk to someone that has no judgement about how they "should" be feeling. There are also tools to help one who is experiencing loss and grief. I, too, have had losses and know firsthand what it feels like to suffer with so many painful feelings. Give me a call.