Grief Therapy
In its essence, grief is the complex emotional journey when they confront with a loss in their lives. Although we may tend to associate grief with a death loss, grief really is an expansive term for a diverse range of losses. This happens in part because society tends to impose unspoken regulations about what is deemed acceptable to grieve—overlooking the multitude of losses that individuals may encounter during their lives. Every loss deserves to be acknowledged and held with care and support.
Losses that May Lead to Grief
As mentioned above, grief can follow so many different experiences—all of which can simply be part of being human. Below are some examples to help provide a clearer picture of the range, depth, and diversity of grief:
Moving to a new city after living somewhere for a long period of time
The loss of a friendship
A change in routine
The death of a pet
A new diagnosis related to your physical or mental health
A shift in your belief system or faith community
Chronic pain that impacts your quality of life on a daily basis
Common Symptoms Related to a Grief Experience
Below are some symptoms of grief. This is not an all-inclusive list but some symptoms that folks may often experience when grieving:
Anxious thoughts
Avoidance of the topic, person, or subject of the grief experience
Social isolation
Overwhelming sadness or depression
How Grief Therapy Can Be a Supportive Resource
Therapy can be an invaluable source of support for individuals who are experiencing grief or navigating a significant loss in their life. Whether mourning the death of a loved one, coping with the end of a significant relationship, or experiencing other forms of loss like job loss or health-related setbacks, therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental space to express and process complex emotions.
A licensed therapist can help individuals explore their grief and develop coping strategies tailored to their unique circumstances and lived experiences. Through therapy, people can find a space of unconditional support while they gain insight into their feelings, and ultimately work towards healing and finding a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.
How Grief Intersects with Religious Trauma
Grief and religious trauma often intersect in some complex and interesting ways, creating a unique and potentially challenging emotional landscape for individuals who have experienced both. When someone loses a loved one or faces a significant life change, their religious beliefs and practices can provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of community.
But for those who have had a religious upbringing or experiences marked by trauma, such as manipulation, or spiritual abuse, the grieving process can become even more complicated. The loss of faith or trust in religious figures, faith communities, or even God, can add an additional layer of pain and confusion to the already overwhelming feelings of grief.
And, religious teachings may influence how individuals cope with grief, potentially suppressing their natural emotions or causing guilt and shame for mourning in ways that diverge from religious expectations. Navigating the intersection of grief and religious trauma requires a delicate balance of acknowledging and processing both aspects, often with the support of therapy or counseling to help individuals heal and find their own path to spiritual and emotional recovery.
Work with a Grief Therapist in Oregon
You don’t have to navigate your grief or loss on your own. If therapy is something that you want to explore, reach out today through an inquiry form or by scheduling a free 15-minute phone consultation below.