Grief and Loss Counseling in Dumbarton, VA.

Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a relationship. There are many different ways that we can deal with that grief, some helpful and some not. But the ultimate goal is the same...to feel better. I work with my clients to understand the stages of grief, identify their existing social supports, and increase their use of positive coping skills. There is also the desire to get "closure". In terms of relationships, closure refers to letting go in order to move on without the lingering pain of loss. What is required for closure varies depending on the person. It may require redefining oneself or one's future, or examining and changing repeating patterns to move forward in a healthier way.

The grieving process is intensely personal and intensely painful. It can feel as if the world has gone crazy and is spinning away without you. How do you make sense of anything in the face of such pain? The simplest tasks can feel impossible. Going to the grocery store, visiting the bank, walking the dog, and even making your morning coffee can trigger a heart-wrenching ache. With mindfulness and support, you CAN begin to heal and weave your loss into the tapestry of your life. You will laugh again, dream again, and love again.

Loss is inevitable. It is the flip side of love and the greatest pain we know. Hearts can break and hearts can heal. We must first accept ALL feelings. We can cultivate gratitude for the gifts our loved one gave us. Sometimes it is also important to acknowledge and learn from the mistakes of the one we have lost., the ways they may have caused pain to themselves and others. If the person has been a large part of our daily living, it is as if we need to recreate our lives bringing new resources into the emptiness. The waves of extreme pain become less frequent with time. The person's memory remains with us, and their gifts to us can inspire those very strengths in ourselves.

Grief is an emotional reaction to loss. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief will be. While many people associate grief with death, grief can come from divorce or the end of a relationship, loss of good health, loss of a job, miscarriage, loss of financial stability, loss of a pet, loss of a dream, loss of family home, and so many more reasons. After a loss it is important to let our feelings out, if we bury them, they later may come out as continual depression and sadness. It is important to honestly recognize the grief or sadness and work through it.

Here's a good quote about grief: "When the heart weeps for what it has lost, the spirit laughs for what it has found." But we all know what a painful journey it can be as we struggle to go from those tears to that laughter. I deal with 3 aspects of grief: #1: The time before an anticipated loss--Much can be done to prepare for a loved one's or our own death to lessen our anxiety. #2: The time immediately after a loss when we are trying to make sense of ourselves & the world with this new & aching absence. #3: Further down the road when we seek to reshape our future, building on the increased wisdom & personal strength we have gained through out loss. I'd love to help you on this journey.

Although grief and loss are normal parts of life, the pain and suffering we experience is more manageable when we share it. Dr. Nedra Voorhies, LPC has many years of experience as well as extensive training in bereavement. She will be happy to assist you with surviving a loss. She is a "Wounded Healer" whose empathic concern for clients is evident. Individual and group support is available.

Grief is an intense feeling of sadness or sorrow. You can try to suppress your grief but can’t avoid it forever. We are here to help you face it head-on with bereavement therapy. Understanding the different types of grief is important so we’re better prepared and so we can be supportive of others who are going through it. It's your battle, but you don't need to fight alone. We are here to help you with grief counseling.

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.