Grief, Loss & Bereavement Therapy
"Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve." - Earl A. Grollman
What is grief & bereavement?
In general, grief refers to the experience of losing something or someone, while bereavement refers to the state of being in mourning or in the process of grieving a loss.
Grief is a normal and natural response to loss. Loss can take many forms, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job. Grief is a complex and highly personal experience that can involve a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion. Grief can also involve physical symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and exhaustion. It is common for individuals to experience a rollercoaster of emotions during the grieving process, and it is normal to have ups and downs.
Bereavement, on the other hand, specifically refers to the state of grieving or mourning the loss of someone or something, such as the death of a loved one. Bereavement can be a difficult and challenging experience, as it involves dealing with the emotional, physical, and social consequences of loss. It is a normal and natural response to loss, and it is an important process for healing and moving forward after a loss.
"The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not 'get over' the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to." - Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
When should I seek therapy for grief, loss, or bereavement?
It is generally recommended to seek the help of a therapist if your grief is disrupting your daily life or if you are experiencing intense emotions that you cannot manage on your own. For example, you may want to consider therapy if you:
are struggling to perform daily activities, such as eating, sleeping, or working
are unable to find enjoyment in activities that you used to enjoy
are having difficulty functioning at school or work
are experiencing persistent feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
are having difficulty accepting the loss
are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
It's important to remember that everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve. It is normal to have ups and downs during the grieving process, and it is okay to take the time you need to heal. However, if you are struggling to cope with your grief, a therapist can provide support and guidance to help you navigate the grieving process.
What type of therapy is best for addressing grief, loss, or bereavement?
There are a number of therapies that can be helpful for addressing problems associated with grief, loss, and bereavement. Some of the most commonly used approaches include Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic therapy, Interpersonal therapy (IPT), Supportive counselling and Complicated grief treatment (CGT).
It is important to keep in mind that the best therapy for addressing problems associated with grief, loss, and bereavement will depend on the individual's specific needs and preferences. Seeing a therapist with a wide range of therapeutic skills and experience is therefore recommended, as they can draw upon their wider range of clinical models and approaches.
Below, we explain each of these therapies.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their grief and develop more adaptive coping strategies.
Psychodynamic therapy: This form of therapy can help individuals explore the unconscious conflicts and feelings associated with their grief and find meaning in their loss.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT can help individuals address relationship problems and communication issues that may be exacerbated by grief and loss.
Supportive counselling: This form of therapy provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to express their emotions and receive guidance and support as they navigate the grieving process.
Complicated grief treatment (CGT): CGT is a specific form of therapy designed to help individuals who are experiencing prolonged or complicated grief. It may involve exposure to reminders of the loss, problem-solving, and learning coping skills.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy that helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings without trying to control or suppress them, and commit to taking action that aligns with their values.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one's attention to the present moment, without judgment. It can help individuals develop greater awareness and acceptance of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
My Therapist Online can help you
If you recognise some of the symptoms above, you may benefit from speaking to one of our therapists. Our therapists are highly trained and experienced in treating the problems associated with grief, loss and bereavement.
We make finding the right therapist easy.
At My Therapist Online, we listen to the problems you are facing and match you with the right therapist for your individual needs. You can meet with them for a free initial consultation to be sure it is a good match before starting your therapy.
My Therapist Online therapists who are experts in therapy for grief, loss & bereavement.
Recommended Reading around the subject of grief & bereavement.
Megan Devine provides a unique perspective on the grieving process and offers guidance for those struggling with loss. She challenges the cultural belief that grief can be "fixed" or that individuals should be able to "move on" from loss, and instead embraces the idea that grief is a lifelong process.
The book provides practical tools for managing intense emotions, creating a support system, and navigating the often-ignored realities of grief.
Megan Devine's writing is raw, honest, and compassionate, offering comfort and hope to those who are struggling to make sense of loss. Overall, "It's OK That You're Not OK" is a must-read for anyone who has experienced loss and wants to learn how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life while navigating the complexities of grief.
The Grief Recovery Method: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses - by John W. James and Russell Friedman: This book, written by a psychologist and a grief recovery specialist, provides a step-by-step guide to the grief recovery process and includes exercises and techniques for managing grief.
The Grief Handbook: Coping with the Loss of Someone You Love - by Rosemary Dun: This book, written by a CBT therapist, provides a step-by-step guide to the grief recovery process and includes exercises and techniques for managing grief.
The Grief Journey: A Practical Guide to Coping with Grief and Loss - by Christina Jones: This book, written by a CBT therapist, offers practical advice and support for those grieving a loss, including tips for coping with grief, managing emotions, and finding support.
The Grief Survival Guide is a compassionate and accessible resource for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. It offers practical advice and support for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Jeff Brazier, a television presenter, and life coach, brings his own personal experiences of loss to the book, offering insight and empathy to those who are grieving. The book covers a range of topics, including dealing with intense emotions, supporting children through grief, managing anniversaries and special occasions, and finding a new sense of purpose after loss. The authors offer practical tips, exercises, and strategies for managing grief and finding hope and healing.
Books written with ACT & Mindfulness principles & techniques.
The Courage to Grieve: Creative Living, Recovery, and Growth Through Grief - by Judy Tatelbaum: This book, written by an ACT therapist, provides guidance on how to navigate the grieving process using ACT principles and techniques.
Mindful Grief: Finding Your Way through Loss - by Mark Wolynn: This book, written by an ACT therapist, provides guidance on how to navigate the grieving process using mindfulness and ACT principles.
When Life Hits Hard is a comprehensive guide to using ACT to navigate life's challenges and cultivate a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
The author Russ Harris, who is a world renowned ACT therapist, aims to help individuals cope with difficult experiences such as loss, crisis and grief, using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
The book provides practical strategies for individuals to cultivate mindfulness and values-based living in the face of adversity, and teaches techniques for managing difficult emotions and thoughts. Russ emphasises the importance of accepting difficult emotions and experiences, rather than trying to avoid or suppress them, as a path to greater psychological flexibility and well-being.
It's important to keep in mind that everyone experiences grief and bereavement differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. It may be helpful to try a few different approaches and see what works best for you.
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