What Is Loss?

No matter what you lost or what you might be anticipating to lose, we are here for you.  Let’s work together to explore your thoughts and feelings and inspire a brighter tomorrow.

  • Death of a relative, friend, or pet

  • End of a relationship (e.g., divorce, breakup, separation, fallout)

  • Suspension, termination, or being fired from your job

  • Loss of a business, career, or educational opportunity

  • Closure of a significant life or work project

  • Loss of health (e.g., getting sick, suffering from an illness or medical condition)

  • Migrating to a different city or country

  • Loss of purpose, security, or safety

Loss is the painful experience of losing something or someone, either physically or emotionally.

Some examples of losses we may go through include:

What Is Grief?

Grief is a natural response to loss. It can change from person to person, ranging from shock, fear, and anger to numbness, denial, and other emotions.

While grief is a healthy human reaction, sometimes it can become unhealthy and dysfunctional. It can interfere with how we act, relate to others, or take care of our basic needs.

Do I Need Therapy for Grief and Loss?

When grief turns unhealthy, it may start to impair many areas of your life. You may find it challenging to take care of yourself and others, become unable to work, study, or perform everyday activities.

Common signs of unhealthy grief include:

  • Prolonged shock or disbelief

  • Anger or aggression

  • Mood swings or irritability

  • Loneliness and guilt

  • Fatigue or exhaustion

  • Emotional pain that prevents you from completing tasks

  • Avoiding people or reminders about loss

  • Difficulty eating, resting or sleeping

If you or someone you love are struggling with these symptoms, we advise seeking professional support.

Grief and loss can also sometimes be traumatic. For example, if a loved one dies suddenly or in a disturbing manner or if a job is lost because of something tragic, survivors of loss and grief can experience enduring symptoms of trauma. In those cases, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR therapy can also help you process the traumatic aspects of your grief.

What is Therapy for Grief and Loss?

Therapy for grief and loss is designed to help individuals manage dysfunctional grief after enduring loss.  

Grief can make you feel like you hit the pause button and don’t know when things will resume.  While in therapy, a licensed psychotherapist can support you to understand what you are going through, find ways to navigate your emotions, and restart your life again.

How Can Therapy for Grief and Loss Help?

Therapy can help you go through the five stages of grief:

  • When you first hear of the loss, you may feel shocked and overwhelmed. You may try to pretend the loss is not real or refuse to believe it, as you take it all in.

  • Then comes the fury and frustration, which typically translates into bursts of rage and emotional discomfort. Anger may become the go-to outlet, potentially alienating you from others and deepening your pain.

  • Next, you bargain. You might attempt to do anything in your power to change what happened or what’s about to happen. You may start thinking about what you could do or could have done differently, reflecting on regrets related to the loss.

  • When you recognize bargaining is not possible, you may face the reality of your loss. Understanding things are outside of your control may hurt deeply, causing you to withdraw from others and making you feel hopeless.

  • At this point, you are no longer striving to resist or change the situation. You may still feel pain and sadness about your loss, but you come to accept it.

Therapy for Grief and Loss at Counseling to Inspire

Here at Counseling to Inspire, we aim to help the Napa and Solano community members heal from loss, trauma, and other life stressors.

We provide therapy for grief and loss and other counseling services to support children, adults, couples, and families so they can reach their full potential.

Our empathic and compassionate team has experience in many therapeutic orientations, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), art therapy, play therapy, and more. We also offer specialized EMDR therapy for trauma.

Sessions are typically scheduled once a week but may vary depending on your situation and wellness goals. We will customize treatment according to your personal needs, adjusting as required.

You don’t have to grieve a painful loss on your own. We are here to support you.

If you have any questions about therapy for grief and loss, contact us.

Ready to get started? Request an appointment today!