More About Grief Counselling
Losing someone important can be overwhelming and grief affects everyone differently. As an experienced social worker (I became a social worker 30 years ago!) I provide compassionate, tailored support to help you navigate your personal journey through loss to recovery.
Now, this is not the same as ‘getting over it’ – this is about learning to live with the loss and finding ways to process what has occurred and your new life now. It is about what recovery means to you.
Using a range of evidence-based psychological strategies, I work closely with you to understand your experience and develop interventions that best suit your needs. Whether you’re struggling with intense emotions, feeling stuck in your grief, or you simply need space to talk, I am here to support you. Please reach out – I welcome the chance to work with you to find a way forward, through what can sometimes feel like a murky, unsolvable mess.
Grief can be complex and no single approach works for everyone. That’s why I draw on a range of evidence-based grief theories and therapeutic techniques to support you. I usually begin with a psychosocial assessment, not to scare you off – it should be done so you don’t really notice I am asking all the questions!
This assists me to understand your unique circumstances and the impact of your loss. From there, I tailor our sessions using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help if you want to shift thought-patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to increase your emotional flexibility, and Attachment Theory to explore the impact of past relationships and how they shape your grieving process.
Most importantly, our sessions provide a structured yet compassionate space where you can hopefully feel safe, heard and supported. Building a trusting connection is the key to the entire thing – grief is intensely personal and I am here to walk alongside you, at your own pace, as you navigate your new world.
Grief Counselling: support when you need it the most
Losing someone you love can be one of life’s most painful experiences. Grief can feel overwhelming—one moment, you might be numb and detached, and the next, overcome with sadness, anger, or even guilt. No two people grieve in exactly the same way, and there’s no “right” way to feel.
Understanding grief
Grief is a natural response to loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant life change. It can bring up a mix of emotions—sadness, relief, guilt, anger, or even moments of joy as you recall happy memories.
Some people find comfort in talking about their loss, while others prefer to grieve privately. You may go through stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, or you might experience grief in waves, with good days and difficult days.
However grief affects you, your feelings are valid.
How I can support you
Grieving can be lonely, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I tailor my approach to suit your needs, whether you:
- Need a space to talk openly about your loss
- Struggle with feelings of guilt, regret, or unresolved emotions
- Feel stuck in your grief and unsure how to move forward
- Are struggling to find time to grieve while juggling other stresses (like work, parenting, or other responsibilities)
- Want to find healthy ways to cope with intense emotions
I work with adults, children, and teenagers who are grieving, offering gentle guidance and practical strategies to help you navigate this difficult time.
Together, we’ll explore what healing looks like for you—whether it’s honouring the person in symbolic ways, adjusting to life’s changes, or simply finding ways to feel a little lighter each day.
Grief comes in many forms
Grief isn’t just about losing a loved one. It can also arise from:
- The loss of an adored pet (furry baby), your home or job
- A serious illness (your own illness or that of a loved one)
- Changes in relationships or identity
- Disenfranchised grief—when others don’t acknowledge or validate your loss (such as pregnancy loss, estrangement, or the loss of an ex-partner)
Whatever you’re going through, your grief matters. I provide a supportive space where you can process your emotions without judgment.
When grief feels overwhelming
For some, grief becomes prolonged and all-consuming. If you’re experiencing deep sadness that won’t lift, a loss of identity, isolation, or difficulty finding meaning in daily life, you may be dealing with complicated grief.
This can feel like being stuck in mourning, unable to find a way forward. It can also simply mean that for you – the world has changed and it will take you longer than it takes others to contain some of the grief – it doesn’t mean you are doing it incorrectly or that something is wrong with you.
In our sessions, we can work together to help you regain a sense of balance. There’s no pressure to “move on” or “get over it”—instead, I’ll support you in finding ways to live with your loss while still making space for hope and meaning.
You are not alone (although it can feel that way and be so isolating)
Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to carry it by yourself. If you’d like support, I’m here to walk alongside you—whether your loss is fresh or something you’ve been carrying for years.
If you’re ready to talk, reach out today. Let’s take this journey together, one step at a time.
How I work as a Grief Counsellor
Grief is a deeply personal experience, and no two people go through it in exactly the same way. My role as a grief counsellor is to provide you with a safe, supportive space to explore your emotions, process your loss, and find a way forward that feels right for you.
I take a holistic and person-centred approach, drawing from a range of grief models and psychological strategies. Whether you need emotional support, practical coping strategies, or a way to make sense of your loss, I tailor my approach to your unique needs.
Understanding grief: emotions, thoughts and behaviours
Grief is more than sadness. It can bring a mix of emotions, including:
- Deep sorrow, loneliness or emptiness
- Guilt, regret, or self-blame
- Anger or frustration
- Anxiety or fear about the future
- Relief, especially after a long illness or difficult relationship
People also experience grief in different ways.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve—only what works best for you.