How Counselling Helps You Process Grief

It has been a few weeks since I uploaded a blog post, that is because my grief came up like a tsunami wave and knocked me off my feet a little. Yes, us therapists get blind sided by difficult emotions too. I made space for my feelings by lightening my work load where possible and telling my loved ones how I was feeling. I now feel the wave settling and some of my usual energy returning.

Grief is one of the most profound human experiences, yet it can feel impossible to navigate alone. Whether you've lost a loved one, a relationship, a part of your identity, or even a future you once envisioned, grief can be overwhelming, confusing, and deeply painful.

Many people try to “get over” their grief by staying busy, avoiding emotions, or telling themselves they should be fine by now. But grief isn’t something to move past—it’s something to move through. This is where counselling can help.

Why Is Grief So Difficult to Process?

Grief isn’t just sadness. It can come with a mix of emotions:

• Shock and numbness – “This doesn’t feel real.”

• Guilt or regret – “I should have done more.”

• Anger – “Why did this happen?”

• Anxiety and fear – “What now?”

• Loneliness – “No one understands how I feel.”

Grief doesn’t follow a straight path, and there’s no timeline for healing. It can show up in unexpected ways, even long after the loss.

How Counselling Helps You Navigate Grief

• A Space to Acknowledge Your Loss Many people feel pressure to be “strong” or “move on” too quickly. Therapy offers a non-judgmental space where you can fully express your grief—whether that means talking, crying, or simply sitting with your feelings.

• Understanding & Validating Your Emotions Grief can be messy and unpredictable. A therapist helps you make sense of what you're feeling and reminds you that whatever emotions and behaviours arise, they are completely valid.

• Processing Unfinished Business Sometimes grief is complicated by unresolved emotions—things left unsaid, regrets, or lingering questions. Counselling provides a way to express and work through these thoughts in a safe environment.

• Finding Ways to Cope Therapy helps you develop healthy coping strategies instead of suppressing or avoiding grief. This might include movement, grounding techniques, writing, or rituals to honour your loss.

• Rebuilding Life After Loss Over time, therapy supports you in finding meaning and connection again—not by forgetting your loss, but by integrating it into your life in a way that feels right for you.

You Don’t Have to Face Grief Alone

Grief is not something to “fix” or “get over”—it’s something to be held, understood, and moved through. If you're struggling with loss, I am here to offer the support and guidance you need.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. You don’t have to go through this alone.