By: Olivia McCord, LCSWA, Therapist and Director of Marketing
Grief is a natural response to loss, and it is an experience each of us will face at some point in our life. While grief is often associated with the death of a loved one, it can also follow the end of a relationship, a dream, an opportunity, or a significant life change. It can bring a wide range of emotions, even emotions that may feel confusing, difficult, or “wrong” to experience. Oftentimes when I work with clients, they express guilt for experiencing joy, having fun, or laughing when they should be grieving. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no two grief experiences look the same.
Whatever the source of your grief, your feelings are valid. Typical feelings include immense sadness, anger, loneliness, hopelessness, jealousy, and more. The goal of grief therapy is not to take away these feelings, but to sit with you through them. It is not an easy journey finding acceptance, pockets of joy, and meaning in your life after loss. I love the opportunity to help clients find balance between grief and acceptance by getting to hear stories about client’s experiences before the loss and how life can feel good again after the loss.
I often describe grief as being in the middle of the ocean during hurricane season with only a single pool noodle to keep you afloat. At times, the waves are relentless as a storm forms or passes through, making it feel nearly impossible to stay above the surface. Other times, the water is calm, allowing you to catch your breath. As you move through your journey, you begin to find more “pool noodles”, these can include supportive people, coping skills, meaningful routines, pockets of joy, and other resources to help carry you.
The storms don’t disappear, but you become better equipped to weather them. Just as hurricane seasons come and go, grief has a way of resurfacing through anniversaries, milestones, memories, and unexpected reminders. The difference is that, over time, you have gathered more support, strength, and resilience to help you navigate the waves as they come.
While I cannot control the weather, I am here to sit with you while it rains and pours. If you are struggling in your grief journey, please know we are here to support you.
