Grief Counseling
Are You Navigating The Overwhelming Pain Of Grief And Loss?
Has the loss of someone or something you loved dearly left you feeling like you’ve been thrust into a scary, unfamiliar world?
Are constant reminders—like birthdays, anniversaries, valued possessions, or vivid dreams—keeping your loss at the forefront of your mind? Do you find yourself avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of your loved one?
Perhaps you feel emotionally numb, detached from reality, or overwhelmed by unpredictable waves of sadness, anger, or hopelessness. Or maybe you are hoping that a grief counselor can help you find meaning and purpose as you rebuild your life and sense of self.
Grief Can Stir Up Complicated Feelings Of Regret And Remorse
In times of grief, it's common to replay the past and wish for a different outcome. You may find yourself thinking: If only I could turn back time, I’d tell them how much they meant to me. Or, If only I’d done more while they were still here.
These thoughts, often paired with preoccupation about your loved one, may leave you ruminating on regrets and continuously thinking about what you could have done differently. The struggle with identity—questioning who you are and what your life is going to look like without them—may deepen the weight of your grief. But you don’t have to carry this burden on your own.
Grief and loss counseling offers a compassionate space where you can process your pain and start to rebuild. With my background as a funeral director, community chaplain, and grief therapist, I believe I can help you find a path forward—one that honors your loved one’s memory while allowing you to rediscover a sense of peace and purpose in life.
Everyone Grieves Differently, So It's Okay To Take Your Time Healing
The grieving process is rarely a straightforward journey. It doesn’t follow a timeline, nor does it adhere to any set framework. For some, the first few weeks after a loss are the most overwhelming, while for others, it may take months or even years before the full weight of the loss sets in.
Often, the initial outpouring of support fades quickly, leaving those in mourning to carry their grief in silence once the calls and check-ins stop. Additionally, many people may become impatient when someone’s grieving process extends beyond what society views as "acceptable."
There’s an unspoken pressure to “move on,” as though grief has an expiration date. Yet, in reality, mourning doesn’t work that way—it’s deeply personal and can last for as long as necessary.
A Lack Of Support Can Leave You Feeling Alone In Your Grief
Even well-intended loved ones may struggle with how to offer meaningful support. They might avoid mentioning your loss, fearing that talking about it could make things worse. This reluctance to acknowledge your pain can leave you feeling isolated and unseen. That’s why having someone who truly understands the complexity of grief is so vital.
Whether you’re mourning the loss of a partner, a family member, a friend, or even a beloved pet, grief counseling can help you process your emotions in a compassionate, supportive environment. You don’t have to go through this alone—counseling offers a space where you can grieve openly and heal at your own pace.
Grief Counseling Can Help You Heal And Rebuild After Loss
When grieving, many people express thoughts like, I’m sad they’re gone, but at least they’re no longer suffering or I guess that’s just the way life works. These are sentiments that come from the mind, but grief and loss counseling encourages you to speak from the heart instead. It's a space to fully acknowledge and feel your emotions, no matter how overwhelming or chaotic they may seem.
I believe that healing comes from allowing ourselves to truly feel our pain. Instead of teaching you to "move on," we’ll work on helping you integrate the loss into your life by identifying meaningful ways to preserve your loved one’s legacy while making space for your own healing.
Through this process, you'll have the chance to rebuild your sense of self, strengthen your resilience, and shift your focus from the pain of loss to the cherished memories of your loved one.
What Happens During Grief Therapy Sessions
In our sessions, you will be offered a safe, validating environment where your feelings can be explored without judgment. Through reflective listening and thoughtful questions, we will work together to uncover strengths you can use to cope with your grief. If your loss has triggered unresolved traumas or brought up past experiences with grief, we’ll address those as well.
Most importantly, one of the key aspects of grief counseling is finding meaningful ways to maintain a connection with your loved one. Whether through small daily rituals, creating a personal space of remembrance, or engaging in meaningful activities you once shared, these practices help you keep their memory alive while integrating it into your present life. This allows you to move forward without feeling like you’ve left them behind.
My Experience As A Funeral Director And Community Chaplain Shapes My Work
With over 25 years of experience as a Funeral Director and more than a decade serving as a community chaplain for the Seattle Police Department, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless individuals navigate through their grief. These roles have given me invaluable insights into loss and have equipped me to approach grief counseling with deep compassion and empathy.
As we work together, my focus will be on helping you release feelings of guilt, heal old emotional wounds, and rediscover a sense of meaning and purpose in your new life.
Are You Wondering If Grief Counseling Is Right For You?
How can therapy help when it can’t bring my loved one back?
It’s true that no amount of counseling can bring your loved one back. However, grief therapy can help you navigate the difficult path of healing and guide you through the emotional waves that come with loss.
While we can't rewrite the past, we can work together to create a future that honors your loved one’s memory while giving you room to grow and heal. Counseling is about building a meaningful life, where you can carry your loved one with you as you continue forward.
What if my grief is too overwhelming to talk about?
Grief can feel overwhelming and impossible to express. That's why there's no pressure to share everything all at once. We'll take things at a pace that feels comfortable for you—there’s no rush. In time, when you feel ready, we’ll work through your emotions together.
I believe that the compassionate space we’ll create can make it easier to explore your pain, allowing empathy and understanding to soften the intensity of your grief. That said, you’ll never be expected to push beyond what feels manageable, and we’ll go step by step.
Will grief therapy make me let go of my loved one?
I’m not here to help you let go of your loved one or leave the past behind. Grief therapy is about finding ways to keep their memory alive while also moving forward with your own life. Together, we’ll create a plan that honors their legacy and integrates their presence into your future, so that you can carry their memory with you in a way that feels harmonious and meaningful. This journey is about finding balance, not forgetting.
You Deserve Support On This Journey
What you’ve been through is beyond words, and you shouldn’t have to face it on your own. If you’re ready to take that first step toward getting support, I’m here for you. I invite you to fill out the contact form or call me at (206) 321-5729 to schedule a free phone or Zoom consultation. Let’s connect when you’re ready.
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