Recovering From Grief and Loss

Grief is the normal and natural reaction to significant emotional loss of any kind, whereas bereavement is the period when the grief is experienced. The range of emotions associated with loss varies from one person to the next. While grief is normal and natural, the experience is individual and unique to every person. For one to say to the grieving person, "I know how you feel," is a false statement as no one could possibly understand how another person feels about their personal loss.

There are undeniably many reasons for experiencing grief. They include, but are not limited to the following:

• Alzheimer's and other dementias
• Death of a loved one
• Death of a pet
• Divorce or the end of a relationship
• Loss of career
• Loss of health
• Major financial changes
• Moving
• Retirement

While every individual experiences a significant loss in their lifetime, we are often not equipped to deal with that loss, whether it be from our cultural background, our family beliefs, or our societal norms. Unlike building a house, baking bread, or playing a board game, there is no instruction manual or recipe for dealing with loss. In fact, grief is probably one of the least favorite and most avoided conversations in our society. Therefore, statements such as "you need to move on," or "time heals all wounds" are far from helpful and cause the grieving individual to sweep their feelings under the rug for years until the next loss compounds the unresolved grief. Over time, unhealed grief may lead to chronic illness, depression, substance abuse, trust issues, and problems with relationships, just to name a few. 

There is a solution. Recovery from loss is accomplished by discovering and completing all of the undelivered communications that accrue in relationships. We are all advised to "Let  go," and "Move on," after losses of all kinds. Most of us would do that if we knew how.

Completion of pain caused by loss is what allows us to let go, move on, and get back on the road to wellness. Before taking the actions to complete, it is important to look at and often dismiss some of the ideas or myths that we have tried to use with loss that are not working. 

The Grief Recovery Method® provides the correct action choices that help people move beyond the pain caused by loss. It is an eight-week program that creates a safe environment in which to look at old beliefs about dealing with loss; to look at what losses have affected your life; and to take new actions which lead to completion of the pain attached to one of those losses.

Please contact me for more information, or request a complimentary Grief Breakthrough Session. You may also visit my Grief Recovery Method® site here.