Grief and Loss Counseling in Osprey, FL.

Grief is a normal reaction to loss. Grief has different forms and sometimes is seen as “acceptable” – loss of an elderly parent for example, and sometimes is “hidden” such as contracting a disease such as HIV or a miscarriage for example. Whether the loss is seen or hidden, it still causes a physical and emotional reaction which is absolutely normal. I help people understand their grief and its process and help them move through the stages of grief.

Grief is hard. Grief is natural. Animals grieve. Grief is something we feel deep in our bodies and can be disorienting and destabilizing. Grief brings up questions about who we are, the world, the existence or goodness of God, and purpose and futility of life. Dealing with grief, especially when the loss is traumatic and unexpected, requires a slow and tender space to allow the grief to move through our body and to settle in our hearts with warmth and memory. I am here to help you grieve the loss of your loved one, experience, health , future or even your beloved pet. .

I am sincerely sorry you are suffering. When you lose someone, or something, important, it can be so very painful. I have a very high level of training in helping people with these sorts of pains. You may have lost a person, a relationship, or perhaps a pet? I understand how bad such losses can be. It can feel like no one will ever understand. But you will receive my full attention, support, and high level of both academic and clinical training as we work together to attempt to sensitively, properly process your loss and slowly increase your quality of life. I know you might be feeling at your worst, or even worse than your worst. I hope to have the priveledge of supporting you.

We help our client to heal and process grief and loss through holding safe space for them to work through difficult emotions and experiences in a supportive environment. Everyone grieves differently, but it can be very beneficial to receive support from loved ones and therapists as you cope with grief and loss. Collaborative therapy, Emotionally-Focused therapy, grief psychoeducation, and techniques such as EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) can be especially helpful.

Grief is a life long journey we are thrust upon, oftentimes involuntarily, whether it is a reaction to loss of a loved one or a major life change/transition. While on your journey I can offer support by providing a safe and caring environment where permission is granted to grieve and encouragement given to share your story and where you can process your feelings, learn coping skills and ways to regain a sense of purpose, and the importance of self-care.

The stages of grief are universal & experienced by people from all walks of life. Coping with death is a deeply personal experience that often leads to isolation & depression. In grief counseling, you can safely explore & learn to cope with the overwhelming feelings of sadness, anger & helplessness in order to eventually achieve a more peaceful acceptance of your loss.

Grief and loss can be so difficult to manage and come out of nowhere. When we work together, we will gently learn the about the grief journey you are experiencing. As we learn your life experiences, we may find that some of the distress is rooted in early childhood trauma and attachment wounding. We will welcome all parts of yourself and learn about the challenging messages you may have grown up with that manifested into the distress you feel today. Disordered eating can be a messenger, an alarm telling you that it is time to heal experiences from earlier in life. I am trained in using EMDR, Emotion Focused Therapy and Expressive Arts to help you become your best self.

Losing someone or something is incredibly hard. I believe that one of the great myths that we are told is simply that “time heals all wounds.” Time can actually reinforce the pain of loss and it is important to mourn and grieve that which we no longer have. I am honored to partner with my clients on their journey through healing and finding peace after a loss. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

A lot of people run from grief work - I don't. I understand the pain of loss and I will help you through the darkness. Grief is a very profound and personal experience. The pain of loss never goes away completely - that person will always be an important part of your life and experience. I am happy to help you walk through that pain so that you are not alone in your grief.