GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT

“Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them.” (Tolstoy). If you’ve lived any amount of time on this globe, you’ve probably had to encounter grief at some point. Grief comes in many forms - whether it’s a loved one’s literal passing, the end of relationship, loss of employment, or the loss of a way of life – grief is incredibly common and negotiating it well is very important. Common reactions to loss include feelings of sadness, anger, and helplessness; physical sensations such as literal physical pain in our heart or stomach; thought patterns like ruminating about the loved one or the situation; and finally, behaviors such as hoarding possessions that remind us of the lost object or sleep disturbance. One of the most helpful ways to address grief or bereavement is finding a supportive community and psychotherapy can be just that!