Grief and Loss Counseling
“The pain of grief is just as much a part of life as the joy of love; it is, perhaps, the price we pay for love.”
―Colin Murray Parkes
Grief and Loss Counseling in Houston
Change is hard, especially when it arrives in the form of a loved one’s passing, the end of a significant relationship, or estrangement from family or friends. It might also manifest as the loss of a job or home due to circumstances beyond your control or other unforeseen and abrupt transitions.
The pain, both emotional and physical, can sometimes be paralyzing. What you are experiencing is grief.
Grieving can feel isolating, frustrating, and confusing as a host of emotions show up, relentless and unbidden. Most of us don’t naturally possess the tools to deal with the intensity of emotion, and so we get stuck, unable to break free from its grip, and uncertain about how to proceed.
Grief counseling can help. I can be your companion and witness in grief as you walk this difficult journey. You don’t have to face this alone. Together, we can work towards helping you get unstuck, regaining your footing, and rebuilding your life.
Death
Grieving the death of a loved one can be an overwhelming and deeply personal experience. Grief counseling supports navigating the complex emotions that arise from loss. Whether sadness, anger, confusion, or isolation are present, this approach helps process these emotions at an individual pace.
The process involves gentle guidance through the grieving journey, encouraging the exploration of feelings, honoring the loss, and finding ways to cope with life’s changes. Techniques such as narrative therapy and mindfulness are used to build resilience, find meaning, and move toward healing, while respecting the unique nature of grief.
Separation & Divorce
Grief from separation or divorce can bring a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to relief and uncertainty. This type of loss is often complex, as it involves not only the end of a relationship but also the transition into a new phase of life. Grief counseling helps process these emotions and find a path forward.
Through guided exploration, the focus is on processing the pain of separation, addressing feelings of loss, and adjusting to new realities. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness are used to foster resilience, promote healing, and support the creation of a balanced, fulfilling life after the relationship ends.
Major Diagnosis & Illness
Receiving a major diagnosis or facing a serious illness can trigger a profound sense of grief. This grief may stem from the loss of health, lifestyle changes, or uncertainty about the future. Grief counseling provides support in processing the emotional impact of the diagnosis and navigating the resulting changes.
The focus is on addressing feelings of fear, sadness, and frustration, while helping to build acceptance and emotional resilience. Techniques such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness are employed to cope with the physical and emotional challenges, fostering strength, clarity, and a sense of peace amidst the difficulties of illness.
Job Loss & Natural Disaster
Losing a job or experiencing a natural disaster can bring about deep grief, whether it’s due to the loss of identity, stability, or security. Both types of loss can lead to feelings of uncertainty, frustration, and emotional distress. Grief counseling helps individuals process these emotions and find a path toward healing and rebuilding.
For job loss, the focus is on managing the emotional impact while fostering resilience and exploring new opportunities through solution-focused therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). For grief caused by a natural disaster, the emphasis is on processing trauma, restoring a sense of safety, and rebuilding stability using trauma-informed therapy and grounding exercises. In both cases, the goal is to provide support, build emotional resilience, and guide individuals toward a sense of control and hope for the future.
