I just lost someone and I’m struggling, do I need therapy?

That depends! Grief is a difficult emotional process, and many people find themselves experiencing thoughts and feelings that surprise them. It is normal to struggle with big mood swings, difficulty concentrating, or feeling overwhelmed. So, if this is happening to you, you are probably experiencing normal and healthy grief. That said, many people find it helpful to speak with a therapist who can help them process what they are feeling.

The person I lost died over a year ago, but I’m still having a hard time. Is that normal?

It can be! Grief is not an experience we ‘get over’. You will still feel that loss after time has passed, but the feelings should become less intense and you should be able to get back your normal day to day life. The actual timeline will be unique to each of us. If you feel like your grief is having a negative impact on your ability to live your life you may benefit from talking to a therapist.

My pet died and I’m having a really hard time! Is grief counseling only for helping with the loss of a person?

I see plenty of clients to are coping with the death of a pet! The grief we experience when we lose a pet is very different from the grief we experience when we lose a person, but it can still be very difficult and intense.

My marriage ended, and I feel like I’m grieving. Can grief counseling help with this kind of loss?

It can! The loss of a marriage, or a career, or our health is called a life loss. Life loses can cause people to experience grief. This is different from the grief we experience when a person dies, but it is still grief. Speaking to a therapist about this can help you sort through your feelings so you can find a way to move forward.