Grief & Loss
Grief is an underlying part of the human experience woven into the fabric of life.
Grief is a universal experience as everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, will encounter loss in their lifetime. This creates a shared human experience, connecting us through the understanding of what it means to mourn and rebuild.
Grief is a complex and personal experience though that we go through after a loss. It can manifest in many different ways and there is no right or wrong way to grieve as it is a normal and healthy response to loss.
Some common types of grief we can experience over a lifetime
- Anticipatory grief: this occurs when you grieve the loss of someone or something before it actually happens. For example, you might experience anticipatory grief if you have a loved one who is terminally ill.
- Disenfranchised grief: this type of grief occurs when you feel like your grief is not acknowledged or validated by others. This can happen if you lose someone in a way that is considered taboo, such as suicide or addiction.
- Traumatic grief: this type of grief occurs after a sudden or violent loss. It can be characterized by intense symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares and avoidance.
- Complicated grief (chronic grief): this type of grief occurs when the grieving process is prolonged or interrupted. People with complicated grief may have difficulty accepting the loss and they may experience intense emotional and physical symptoms that increase over time rather than subside.
There are also many other ways we can experience loss
- Loss of a loved one: this is the most common type of loss that we grieve. It can include the death of a spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend or other close relationship.
- Loss of a pet: pets can provide companionship and love and their loss can be just as painful as the loss of a human loved one.
- Loss of a job: losing a job can be a major life stressor and it can lead to feelings of grief, anxiety and depression.
- Loss of a relationship: the end of a romantic relationship can be a painful experience, and it can take time to grieve the loss.
- Loss of health (and independence): a diagnosis of a serious illness can lead to feelings of grief, as the person and those around them mourn the loss of their health and their future plans.
By recognising grief as an inherent part of life, we can move away from stigmatising it and instead approach it with compassion and understanding for ourselves and others. It's not just about overcoming loss but also about integrating it into our lives and finding strength and meaning through the experience.
If you are grieving and need help and support to navigate the process, please reach out.
Client Success Stories
‘Paula provides a safe, professional haven to her clients in moments of crisis and personal loss. I would strongly recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled, compassionate and empathetic psychotherapist.’ Lesley (Perth)
‘I went to see Paula as I was struggling following a traumatic bereavement. Paula worked with me to get through this awful time as quickly and as gently as possible. I had been struggling to leave the house and distanced myself from almost everyone. Following a course of sessions, I was able to deal with the grieving process and start rebuilding my life. Paula is kind, encouraging and pragmatic and my life is so much better as a result of our interactions. Thank you Paula for allowing me to grieve on my terms.' Sandra (Dundee)
'When I walked through Paula’s rooms, I was going through a separation and the loss of two family members. I didn’t know what to expect! But with Paula’s caring nature, she gave me the tools to recognise and cope as I went through the stages of disbelief and shock, to anger and ultimately grief. She provided me with a safe haven and made me see things that I would not normally have been willing to see, accept or understand. I now feel stronger than I ever have. I have confidence in my beliefs, my decisions and myself. Thank you Paula.' Mia