Grief and Loss Counseling in Lakewood, IL.

We generally think of grief and loss in relation to the death of people we have been close with, such as family, friends, coworkers and others with whom we have been close. While death is certainly the worst kind of loss we are called upon to face and grieve over, there are other meaningful losses we must endure and find a way to grieve toward resolution and inner peace. Such losses as the breakup of significant relationships, through divorce or separation from any loved one certainly call for grieving. Loss of one’s job can amount to a meaningful loss that requires grieving to go on with a new and constructive adjustment. The loss of one’s health can also present serious challenges to keepin....

Losing a loved one is probably one of the most difficult challenges we can endure. Our entire perspective on life can change in an instant. Your greif experience is unique because only you know the nuances of your relationship to the person you lost. This is a time to be gentle with yourself as you move through the stages of grief but also to make healthy choices for yourself, which is not always easy to do on your own. I'd be honored to walk with you through this painful time as you explore your thoughts and feelings and learn to embrace life without your loved one.

The key areas of grief and loss is learning to create what is known as a "new normal". This new normal can be created after a death, loss of job or even the loss of a relationship like divorce. Being able to understand the grief steps and what to expect brings hope to individuals and families who may have just had what they once new as normal completely change sometimes overnight.

Grief counseling applies to many types of loss, not just death. Counseling for loss can be an opportunity to memorialize the person, relationship, or experience you lost. Counseling should include the joy and laughter of the loss as well as the sadness and pain. Uncomplicated grief counseling can be short-term, 1-6 sessions, and is covered by insurance in many cases.

Grief and loss is a process that does not follow steps in a certain order. We help process the loss in the hopes of giving a strong meaning to the life event, so that you feel that you can carry whatever you feel that has been lost in a healthy way. Our goal is for clients to thaw and leave the process having a new meaning about their loss. Grief and loss can feel like a very lonely experience; however, a client does not have to be alone.

The death or loss of a loved one can be one of the most difficult events that you ever have to face. Sometimes therapy is needed to help you learn to cope with the thoughts and feelings that you are dealing with. If after a period of time, you have difficulty completing your every day activities and coping with life, it may be beneficial to meet with a professional. You may be "stuck" in one of the stages of the normal grieving process.

Grief is profound, affecting every area of life. Each person grieving is in uncharted territory, because the pain can be immense, and the process of grief is unique like one's fingerprint. There are commonalities and beacons to chart your progress, but moving through anger, fear, and sadness can feel like a solo act. The questions can be overwhelming. I hope to be a support as you move to a new normal, understanding that life cannot be the same as it once was. We believe in finding ways to honor your losses, not just move on. Moving through bitterness in grief to a place of sweet memories, or even gratitude, is not meant for someone to do alone. You can lean on someone who accepts you.

In my psychotherapy practice, I provide compassionate support for those experiencing grief and loss. I create a safe space for clients to express their emotions, process their pain, and find meaning in their experiences. Using a personalized approach, I integrate various therapeutic techniques to help patients navigate their grief journey, fostering resilience and promoting healing. My goal is to guide patients toward acceptance and a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

Know that your most important thoughts and feelings are held with great care and sensitivity, as I listen closely and compassionately to your stories of grief, loss and change. Your personal experience is unique and valid for you, and it's ok that others' experiences are different. I will support and assist you as you talk, write, and find additional ways to express yourself and what your losses have meant to you, so that you will find healing and peace over time.

Regardless of whether it is bereavement, or any other significant loss we are here to assist you with processing your grief and to support you in your journey of healing. Losses can include financial, property, health, relationships, pets, and/or custody. All losses are difficult. Losses produce an array of emotions, anger, fear, anxiety, and depression to name a few. We will assist in facilitating your emotional rehabilitation.

Processing a loss or trauma occurs in many ways, starting with talking. Losses by death of family and friends are likely our greatest losses in life. Maybe you didn't consider retirement, moving away, a serious heath diagnosis, or the end of a longterm friendship as a loss. Loss is actually uncontrollable change. Talking about how you are feeling is how you begin to let go. Time does not really heal all wounds. It is what you do with time that heals the wound.

In my approach to grief and loss therapy, I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can process their emotions at their own pace. I integrate evidence-based practices such as narrative therapy and mindfulness to help individuals explore their loss, acknowledge the complexities of their grief, and find pathways to healing. Clients benefit from tailored support that honors their unique experiences while fostering resilience and acceptance. My goal is to help clients build meaning and navigate their journey with empathy, leading to eventual emotional growth and restoration.

Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences in life. Losing abilities or functioning in chronic pain is a loss of another kind, but a loss nevertheless. Getting past the numbness and overwhelming pain is a uniquely personal process with a very individual timeline. I provide loving support and understanding of the grief process while carefully encouraging you to move forward when ready to see and understand the new landscape you are now living.