Loss is an inevitable part of life that most of us experience. Grief is a normal and natural emotional response to loss. It can be caused by an event or change such as the death of a loved one, a miscarriage, loss of a relationship, pet, a home or job. Whatever we have lost, grief can be experienced as an intense and overwhelming emotional pain.
Grief is universal but our emotional response is personal.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve, no ‘should’ or ‘should not’, and no time limit on our feelings. In a safe space, I’ll gently listen to you share what you have lost in your own time, and support and help you work through your grief.
As a counsellor, a few examples of common things I hear are:
“It's been over 12 months, surely I shouldn’t still be feeling like this, should I?”
There is no time frame for grief, it is unique for every person. Grief isn’t always experienced at the time of the loss and can become more intense over time, particularly if we are initially in shock or if feelings are avoided and suppressed.
“I shouldn’t feel this sad, people keep telling me it's just a dog.”
Loss is personal and relates to the attachments we form to what we have lost. How you feel is ok, normal, and unique to you.
You can’t always see anxiety, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there and not real. Anxiety is cruel, invasive and, if severe, can control your life. Anxiety takes us away from being able to live in the moment and enjoy life.
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear and It can be a natural emotional response to an upcoming event. Anxiety becomes an issue when it starts to control us, becomes persistent, and has a detrimental impact on our daily lives.
Anxiety is an inner turmoil that can affect us emotionally through intrusive thoughts, overthinking, or feelings of dread. Physical symptoms can manifest as panic attacks, loss of appetite, not being able to sleep. If left unchallenged or avoided anxiety can become stronger, more intense, and slowly start to take over.
In a safe environment, I’d like to hear you give your anxiety a voice. Together we can explore where it has come from and empower you to take back control so the anxiety no longer controls you.
