Have you ever wondered “is this normal?” during the grieving process. We are here to help you answer that question. According to Therese Rando, there are many things you can expect during the grieving process.

You can expect that the grieving process will take longer than most think. According to the Center for Prolonged Grief, “Acute grief occurs in the initial period after a loss. It almost always includes strong feelings of yearning, longing and sadness along with anxiety, bitterness, anger, remorse, guilt and/or shame. Thoughts are mostly focused on the person who died and it can be difficult to concentrate on anything else. Acute grief dominates a person’s life.” Progressing through the grieving process can be different for everyone. Grief is not universal as most think. Grief is individual and individual to each type of loss.

There are many different types of loss, such as sudden, unexpected traumatic loss (suicide, homicide, overdose, car crash etc.), loss due to medical complications or terminal illness, pet loss, loss of relationship or marriage, loss of pregnancy, loss of spirituality/faith, loss of health due to chronic illness, etc.

In her book, “How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies,” Therese Rando discusses that:

• Your grief will show itself in all spheres of your life: psychological, social and physical.
• Your grief will depend upon how you perceive the loss.
• You will grieve for what you have lost already and for what you have lost for the future.
• Your grief will entail mourning the loss, your hopes, dreams, and unfulfilled expectations you held with what you have lost and for the future needs unmet because of the loss.
• You may have a combination of anger and sadness, such as irritability, frustration, annoyance, and/or intolerance.
• You may experience some form of anger and guilt.
• You may have a lack of self-concern.
• You most likely will have trouble thinking (memory, organization and intellectual processing) and making decisions.
• Sometimes you may feel like you are going crazy.
• You may find that there are certain dates, events, and stimuli that bring upsurges of grief.
• Society may have unrealistic expectations about your mourning and may respond inappropriately or unhelpfully towards you.

You may experience any or all of the above. Due the nature of the loss or circumstances around the loss, you may grieve differently. For example, common themes for suicide loss, according to Christina Zampitella, PsyD, FT, include shock and disbelief, guilt, blame, rejection, abandonment, anger and so much more. Whereas someone who experiences reproductive loss may experience self-blame, emptiness, lack of possibility and security.

How Can Grief Counseling Help With The Grieving Process?

The goal of grief counseling is to get a person to an integrated grief, meaning, you can find a place for grief in your life and honor what you have lost. Working with a grief therapist can help you process the complicated emotions that come along with grief. No matter what your journey is, we are here to help. 

Interested in Grief Counseling?

Are you interested in exploring the potential benefits of Grief Counseling? We’re here to assist you on your journey towards healing and finding solace. Feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team directly at 412-322-2129. Alternatively, you can fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch shortly to address any inquiries or schedule an appointment.

We look forward to connecting with you and exploring how Grief Counseling can support your emotional well-being and overall healing process.

Written by: Kelsey Counihan, MSW, LCSW and Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist. If you are interested in working with Kelsey, please contact us at 412-322-2129.