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GRIEF AND LOSS COUNSELLING

Losing a loved one, losing a pet, learning about a loved one`s terminal illness, witnessing our loved one`s memory/cognitive abilities decline or losing an important friendship can lead to grief. You might struggle to cope with the intense emotions that accompany grief, such as anger, guilt, or profound sadness. Grief is a difficult territory for most human beings to navigate all alone. Reach out for support.

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Our approach to GRIEF AND LOSS Treatment:

Tailored Approach to Treatment

We understand that each person's experience with grief is very unique. That's why we tailor our counseling approach to fit your individual needs and circumstances, drawing from evidence-based techniques. We will work on tools that can support you through your grief and anchor you in the face of intense emotions.

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A Holistic Approach

At Roya Counselling, we recognize that grief affects every aspect of your life – emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. We honor your unique grieving journey; there is no right or wrong way to grieve and no right or wrong way to feel as you grieve. Sadness, anger, numbness, and even relief are normal reactions to grief. Together, we will make space for the intense waves of emotions that grief brings to help you feel “held” as you grieve.

Years of Experience in Grief Counseling

We have had our experience of navigating grief and have also supported numerous individuals through the journey of grief and loss. Our experience has equipped us with the empathy and expertise to provide compassionate support tailored to your unique needs.

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Promoting Emotional Expression

Grief often involves a complex mix of emotions, from sadness and anger to guilt and regret. We will create a safe and supportive space for you to express and explore these emotions, allowing you to process your grief in a healthy and constructive way.

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Finding Meaning and Purpose

While grief may feel overwhelming, it can also be an opportunity for growth and transformation. We will work with you to find meaning and purpose in your experience of loss, helping you honor the memory of your loved one while also finding hope for the future.

"You will heal, and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered"

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

What is Grief:

Grief is a natural and normal response to loss, encompassing a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion. It can be triggered by various types of loss, including the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or a major life transition. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and everyone grieves in their own way and at their own pace.

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Different Parts of Grieving Journey

tidal waves of grief

Grief comes in waves. The experiences of loss, whether it be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any other significant life change, often find themselves navigating through a sea of emotions that ebb and flow like the tide.

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Intense Emotional Pain:

Grief can bring up overwhelming feelings of sadness, despair, anger or emotional pain. These emotions might be some of the most intense emotions we feel throughout our lives.

Denial or Disbelief:

Having difficulty accepting or coming to terms with the reality of the loss, feeling as though it's unreal or hasn't really happened, is our psyche`s way of trying to protect us from overwhelming emotions.

Physical Symptoms:

Experiencing physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, headaches, or muscle tension.

Social Withdrawal:

Withdrawing from social activities or isolating oneself from friends and family members can happen as we grieve.

Guilt or Regret:

Feeling guilty or regretful about things left unsaid or undone or about aspects of the relationship with the deceased can add another layer to our grief.

Anger:

Anger is a natural response to loss. It may be directed towards life in general, the person who has died, or yourself.

Numbness:

Numbness or a sense of detachment from life and your emotions can be part of the grieving journey.

Acceptance:

Acceptance does not happen suddenly. It’s a gradual process. Acceptance doesn’t mean we don’t feel pain anymore. It means we learn to live with the new reality of our lives.

grief changes us

While grief is undeniably painful and challenging, it is also transformative.

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"Grieving doesn't make you imperfect. It makes you human".

Sarah Dessen

THE STEPS INVOLVED IN YOUR THERAPY PROCESS

  1. Schedule a complimentary consultation.
  2. Book your first session to kickstart your therapy process if we resonate with you.
  3. Keep in mind that therapy isn't a quick fix; consistency is vital for positive outcomes.
  4. Reflect on sessions and apply insights for maximum therapeutic benefits.
  5. Communicate what works and what doesn't; therapy is a collaborative process.
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Different forms of grief:

"Natural" grief:

This is an instinctual, hard-wired natural reaction to loss and is characterized by a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, and acceptance. Gradually, individuals learn to create space for their emotions, come to terms with the loss, and build a new life while recognizing and honoring their loss.

Complicated grief:

Complicated grief occurs when the intense emotions and intense longing for the lost person linger or worsen over time and interfere with the person`s ability to function, even years after the loss.

Anticipatory grief:

Anticipatory grief occurs when a person experiences grief before the actual loss occurs, such as when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Disenfranchised grief:

Disenfranchised grief occurs when a person experiences grief that is not recognized or validated by society, such as the loss of a pet, a job, or a relationship that was not acknowledged by others.

Collective grief:

Collective grief occurs when a group of people experiences grief in response to a shared loss, such as a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or the death of a public figure.

Delayed grief:

Delayed grief occurs when a person suppresses or avoids their grief for an extended period of time, often due to cultural or societal expectations.

Masked grief:

Masked grief occurs when a person experiences grief but expresses it in ways that are not immediately recognizable as grief, such as through substance abuse, physical symptoms, or other behaviors.
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FAQ

Will grief counselling take away the painful emotions?

Grief counselling is not about taking your pain away and making difficult emotions disappear. It is healthy and necessary to feel your emotions as you grieve. Grief counselling is about helping you hold the pain of grief more effectively and healthily. This is done through creating a space to talk about your emotions and learning skills to ride the big waves of emotions.

I feel relief after my loved one died. Is this normal?

Feeling relief, specially when a person with severe chronic illness passes away, is quite common. It does not mean you are “unkind” or “unloving”.

How do I know if I am grieving properly?

Grief is messy. There is not a single model of grief or a “normal” way of grieving that applies to everyone. A skilled therapist can help you accept your grieving journey and understand your process better without judgement.

How long will my grieving process take?

Coming to terms with and accepting loss takes time. It is important to be patient with yourself or anyone who is going through grief. It is natural to want the painful emotions to end and yet it is also important to recognize that we can`t rush the grieving process.

How can I support a person who is grieving?

Your kind presence is probably the best gift you can offer to a grieving person. Simple acts such as sending a text message to them, preparing meals for them, and helping them with day-to-day chores can go a long way. Sentences such as “time will heal” and “you will eventually get over it” are NOT helpful to say someone who is grieving since it can invalidate or minimize their experience.
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Roya Vojdani

About Roya Counselling

At Roya Counselling, we are committed to providing professional, ethical, and evidence-based counselling services that prioritize your well-being. We understand that seeking therapy can be a difficult and brave decision, and we honor the trust you place in us. We have personally experienced the transformative power of therapy, and we will never take your desire for healing lightly. 

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We believe in the inherent resilience of our clients, and our stance towards our clients is non-judgmental, compassionate and curious.
We feel very privileged to hear about our clients' hopes, goals and pains and witness them slowly recovering their peace, happiness and livelihood.