Therapy for Grief

Understanding Grief

Grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It can manifest in various emotional, mental, and physical ways, and there is no “right” way to grieve. For some, grief may involve intense sadness, anger, or confusion, while others may feel numb or detached. The intensity of these feelings can change over time, but for many people, grief doesn’t follow a linear path. It’s common to feel better for a while and then be unexpectedly hit by a wave of emotion triggered by a memory, event, or even a seemingly small reminder of the loss.

Grief can also bring about physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or stomach issues. Emotional symptoms like anxiety, guilt, or irritability may surface as well. It’s important to acknowledge that grieving takes time, and seeking support can help ease the process.

The five stages of grief

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, widely regarded as the grief expert, introduced the widely recognized five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not meant to be followed in a specific order, nor does everyone experience all five. Rather, they serve as a guide to help people understand the emotional landscape of grief. You may move back and forth between stages, or experience them simultaneously.

Finding Meaning in Loss

David Kessler, a leading grief expert and co-author with Kübler-Ross, added a sixth stage to the grief model: finding meaning. This stage focuses on moving beyond acceptance to find purpose and growth after loss. While grief may never fully disappear, finding meaning helps you move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

Recognizing the Signs of Grief

Grief can impact every aspect of life, from emotional well-being to physical health. Common signs of grief include:

• Persistent sadness or tearfulness
• Anger or frustration over the loss
• Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss
• Numbness or detachment from others
• Anxiety or restlessness, often feeling overwhelmed
• Trouble sleeping or frequent fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Social withdrawal or avoiding activities once enjoyed
• Physical symptoms like headaches, upset stomach, or loss of appetite
• Feeling stuck or unable to move forward after the loss

If these symptoms persist or worsen over time, grief may be interfering with daily life, and professional help could be beneficial.

Therapies for Treating Grief

At Kona Counseling, we offer several therapies that provide compassionate support and effective strategies for helping individuals process and manage grief. These therapies are tailored to each person's needs, helping them navigate their emotions and find a path forward.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is effective in helping individuals reframe negative thought patterns associated with grief. It helps people work through feelings of guilt, sadness, or anger by addressing unhelpful thinking and developing healthier coping strategies.
2. Grief Counseling: Grief counseling provides a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and process their loss. This type of therapy allows people to explore their emotions in a supportive environment, helping them come to terms with their loss in a healthy way.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions related to their grief while focusing on values-based actions. This therapy helps clients move forward with their lives while honoring their loss.
4. Group Therapy: Connecting with others who have experienced loss can be incredibly healing. Group therapy offers a supportive community where individuals can share their experiences, gain insight from others, and feel less alone in their grief journey.

Support for Grief

If you are struggling with grief and finding it difficult to cope, Kona Counseling is here to help. Our experienced therapists provide personalized, evidence-based support to help you navigate the grieving process and begin healing. Contact us today to learn more about our services and start your journey toward emotional well-being.