In experiencing a loss through death of another, the impact on the person is tremendous. Every aspect of the self is affected – physically you’re ravaged with exhaustion and loss of energy and zeal; your sense of self is shaken and internally your private inner world is thrown into chaotic turmoil; your relationships may also suffer as you prefer to withdraw into a much needed isolation.
You may experience this sense of loss through separation or divorce, loss of health, unemployment or entering into retirement, loss of a much cherished pet, a future plan or loss of identity through depression or difficult life circumstances.
Counselling and Psychotherapy can help to support you through this difficult period. You are supported to talk through the pain you experience, and the accompanying feelings you have – anger, frustration, numbness, guilt and depression. In time this allows your grief to recede and you return to feeling more like yourself before. Therapy can serve to address the practical aspects of your loss – what changes you need to put in place and how best you would like to make the necessary adjustments. You develop coping mechanisms to conquer the day to day challenges and obstacles you face.
Working through any grieving process can also be a time of healing with potential for great personal learning, insight and change. It is an opportunity to become more present to yourself and what is happening within you. Therapy allows you the time and space you need to honour what you have lost and the significance of the attachment you felt towards it.