Grief & Loss

Grief and loss can be in response to a wide range of life situations, death of a loved one, dissolution of a marriage, estrangement with a family member or close friend, losing a pet, losing a job, or a loss of something significant to you. Studies have shown there are several steps of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.

Through working with a licensed therapist, patients will work through grief in a healthy manner to understand and cope with the emotions that they are experiencing and ultimately find a way and form to move forward. It is normal to experience these symptoms in your own way and in your own time, however working through the stages with healthy guidance can help you accomplish your goal in a supportive and safe environment.

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Grief & Loss Treatment in La Jolla and Encinitas

Loss is an unfortunate but inevitable part of life. Losing a person you care about can be devastating and make it difficult to go back to how you lived your life before. At SDPsychology, we understand that all loss is painful and grief is a natural emotion, no matter the circumstances. Therefore, we specialize in Grief and Loss Counseling in La Jolla and other locations in San Diego to help individuals grieve in a healthy way.

Understanding Grief & Loss

Grief and loss are deeply personal experiences that vary greatly from person to person. Even individuals who have faced loss may respond differently each time. Factors such as life experiences, the nature of the relationship with the person lost, personality traits, and cultural background all influence how grief is expressed and processed.

Common expressions of grief encompass a wide range of emotions and behaviours, including crying, fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, social withdrawal, anxiety, frustration, and existential questioning. In more severe cases, grief can manifest in depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts, and physical ailments.

In some instances, grief can become complicated, persisting, and interfering with daily functioning over an extended period. Symptoms of complicated grief may include overwhelming sadness, feelings of emptiness, bitterness, disinterest in personal goals, difficulty cherishing happy memories, and a preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased. In such cases, seeking grief therapy can provide valuable support in navigating through these emotions and reintegrating into daily life.

What to Expect from Grief & Loss Therapy

Understanding what to expect from grief and loss therapy can be helpful. When we meet with you, we aim to achieve several significant goals, including:

1. Developing an increased understanding of what to expect from grief and loss, learning to describe one's emotions, and developing a short-term plan for managing those emotions.

2. Accepting responsibility for change by helping the individual identify the issue causing grief and committing to letting go of it.

3. Correcting irrational thoughts that are linked to past loss..

4. Dealing with uncomfortable feelings, such as survivor guilt and sadness.

5. Decreasing extreme grief, which is a risk factor for substance use and other harmful behaviors. Learning coping strategies is always a priority.

Getting Help With Grief:

Losing a loved one is a harrowing experience, whether it's due to death, abandonment, or any other reason. This kind of loss can leave you feeling isolated and alone, but you don't have to go through it alone. SDPsychology offers grief and loss therapy for individuals who are struggling with the loss of a loved one. In a safe, compassionate environment, our therapists work together to explore the emotions related to loss. Our therapists in our offices in La Jolla and Encinitas encourage individuals to share their feelings openly and honestly, which creates a supportive community where they can find comfort and healing. We do the say via video/telehealth sessions when individuals are unable to meet in person. Through therapy, individuals can find the support they need to cope with their loss and move toward peace and healing.