Grief and Loss Counseling in Woodcrest, CA.

Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, Ph.D approaches issues of grief & loss through the lens of innovation----instead of growing the same neural networks responsible for the pain in weekly therapy sessions, we reset the brain to move forward quicker and efficiently by working on the stuck limbic system so as to empower the person with more success and traction. For no one wants to stay in a grief mode for too long; but when you don’t include the brain in your work with someone, you risk describing the water to them while they drown and calling it success. Contact Grey Matters International, Inc now at kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161.

I use an empathetic and compassionate approach combined with a range of specialized therapeutic techniques, including sensorimotor psychotherapy and internal family systems, to address Grief & Loss. Together we will master the intricacies of the grief process to enable a personalized and profound healing journey for those grappling with one of life's most challenging transitions. Clients will find solace and strength in my care, and I will create a safe space for exploration and growth, fostering resilience and understanding during grief. My methods not only alleviate the immediate pain of loss but also nurture a path towards long-term emotional well-being and empowerment.

When we lose someone we love, it feels like we have lost a part of ourselves. Something within us has been torn out, leaving a hole that we easily imagine will never heal. The pain can be profound, the feelings of helplessness, or regret, or guilt overwhelming. Having a partnership where you can talk through these feelings can make a huge difference not only in how quickly and how well you are able to move through the process of grieving, but also how you ultimately are able to frame the experience and your memories of the person lost into the narrative of your own self and life as you move forward. What you carry with you afterward is just as important as surviving the hurt of the loss.

John has been trained in providing trauma therapy, which includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Grief and Loss can include traumatic events and/or memories which can create a negative cognition in our brain. With EMDR, we replace the negative cognition about yourself, with one that is positive and offers healing in processing grief and loss.

Free 30 minute video call - Grief & Loss are normal experiences in life. Yet, they are often overwhelming - combining experiences of sadness, fear, anxiety, surprise, disorientation, loneliness, confusion & more. Grief is truly not meant to be experienced alone. The guidance of a caring therapist & the support of loving friends, family & community is invaluable and essential during deep grief. Grief takes time, comes in waves and needs expression in multiple ways, through tears, writing, talking, releasing sounds, connecting to one's spirituality or religion and even through creative expression such as music, painting or poetry, all of which I can guide you through as your grief counselor.

Grief and loss can occur at any time in many ways during a person's life. It can be an actual death, illness, a loss of relationship or even a loss of a career or job, an identity. While normal and a part of life, they are often met with indifference and ignorance, sometimes fear. Thru the process of therapy grief and loss can be explored and understood, it can be a shared experience where there is value and acceptance.

You may feel confused, stressed, depressed, or crazy as you experience loss. Understanding the symptoms of grief is essential for gaining healing. A trained counselor can help you understand the normal reactions to grief and sort through the trauma related to your loss. A therapist can help you to understand your emotional states of denial, bargaining, anger, and depression associated with grief and make sure that your depression does not result in self injury or other unsafe thoughts or behaviors. If you want to feel normal again, then allow a counselor to help as you go through your grief. Not only will you feel better, but your family, friends, and coworkers will be glad you sought help.

Are you dying inside? Experiencing heartbreak that fills you with utter despair? Do friends and family keep telling you that it is time to “move on”? Do you feel that no one could possibly understand your pain? Please understand that YOUR EMOTIONS ARE NORMAL AND TO BE EXPECTED! I would like to help you recognize and understand the reactions that you may be feeling…feelings of sadness, frustration, confusion, anger, anxiety, numbness, and helplessness, all of which are normal. I will listen to you, support you, and I will not rush you. I will help you draw upon your own strengths and develop healthy coping mechanisms that will allow you to gradually recover and feel joy again.

Dr. Laura Adams is a licensed MFT and Psychoanalyst in Mission Viejo and Newport Beach CA, specializing in grief & loss counseling and psychotherapy. Dr. Adams counsels Individuals, families and couples using a Psychodynamic approach as a way to help patients to process feelings and experience following the loss of a loved one. Dr. Adams can be reached at (949) 244-1992. www.SouthOCTherapist.com

Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming and life changing experience that devastates individuals and families. When the loss is sudden, people can actually experience PTSD. And even with time to prepare for the death of a loved one, it can still be an agonizing loss. Likewise, divorce can feel like a death and grief is a normal response to such a life altering event. Therapy can help immensely. Having someone to talk to who is compassionate and understanding is an amazing outlet for the pain. Learning tools to cope is another advantage of seeking professional counseling. A therapist can guide you through the stages of grief and help you to find peace and acceptance.

A part of life we all face at some point is coping with grief or loss. Using tools to help you recover from the sadness or lonliness you may struggle with is helpful. In some cases people struggle with grief or loss from thier past that they may not have really dealt with. Using tools to deal with buried pain that surfaces and causes depression or anxiety helps you feel ready for the next pahse of your life!

Grief and loss comes in all forms, from the death of a pet, to moving, to the loss of a dream, to the death of a child or spouse, and more. My clients discover grief and loss are a process (which includes: shock/disbelief, anger, blaming, depression/sadness, bargaining, and denial), and how to move through that process to an increased state of acceptance. As their state of acceptance increases, my clients experience an increase in forgiveness, healing, freedom and hope for the present and future. My clients see how they can begin to feel good about their life and future again.

For those of you experiencing separation or loss, I am sorry for what you may be going through. I wish I could fix it and make the pain go away. Actually though, there is great value in experiencing these feelings and I am honored if you are reaching out and willing to face them. Good for you. Sadness, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance come with the territory and whatever you may be feeling is important. Please stay courageous and share. Help is here.

I provide a safe and empathetic space for clients to find a sense of peace and begin to heal from their loss. This involves exploring your relationship with your loved one, working through any unresolved emotions, and developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life incorporating your loved one and their legacy.

Are you using alcohol, substances, or addictive behaviors to cope with grief and loss? Although they provide relief in the short term, their long-term effects on your relationships and health can make it even more difficult to cope. Through a compassionate non-judgmental approach, I help clients explore their relationship to grief and loss so that they can overcome addictive coping strategies. If you're looking for another way forward, feel free to reach out and we can set up a free consultation to discuss further.

Grief counseling helps people cope with grief and mourning following the loss of a loved one or due to major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (i.e. job loss or divorce). It provides a space for individuals to work through and process the complex emotions surrounding loss. Healthy grieving results in remembering the loss with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.

When you lose something or someone important or close to you, it may be difficult to make sense of life or to feel that others can relate to or understand what you are going through. If you need someone to talk to about what happened, I am here for you. I understand that sadness is often something that shouldn't be fixed, but embraced. I also specialize in helping people who were hurt or abused by the deceased. Grief and Loss is a painful time of life, one that every human being goes through. You are not alone. I will come alongside you through the anger, loneliness, fear, shock, and panic. In the middle of the grief, the way forward can bring hope, strength, peace and freedom from guilt.

Is your grief stopping you from living the fulfilling life you desire? I believe that while grief is a natural reaction to experiencing loss, the process differs for everyone. Grief can have physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, and philosophical dimensions. I work with individuals and families on processing grief as the difficult and eventual acceptance of loss. The loss becomes a vital part of one’s life narrative life rather than its center. Healthy grieving is a gradual process toward coping with the loss and developing a renewed interest in daily activities. I understand the devastation of loss. Please feel free to call me at 949.370.4726 or e-mail at info@southoccounseling.com.

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. The pain of grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be.