4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
It is easy to assume that grief is always quick and transient. However, it is usually the opposite. Help is available.
What is grief management?
As the term suggests, grief management or grief processing is a method of dealing with grief. Grief is often the result of the loss of a partner, family member or friend. However, grief is also common in other situations such as divorce, infertility, relationship problems or other traumatic life events.
All grief is individual in that it manifests itself differently for each person. Therefore, the grief management process is unique to each individual.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counsellors
Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.
Book a meeting
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.
Why Lavendla?
Choose your own counsellor
Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
12 common questions and answers about grief management
What is grief management and why is it important?
Grief management is the process of trying to deal with the loss of someone or something precious. It is important because it provides an opportunity to digest and understand the loss and to find ways to move forward.
What are common emotions that can be experienced during grief?
Common emotions brought on by grief include sadness, loss, despair, anger, guilt, confusion and even relief. It is normal to experience a mixture of different emotions.
How long does grief processing take?
The length of grief processing varies from person to person and depends on many factors, including the type of loss and the individual’s personality. There is no fixed timeline. However, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that grief processing is improved by talking about it. Putting unspoken feelings and thoughts into words can help you move forward.
What strategies can help with grief management?
Strategies for coping with grief include talking about your feelings, creating memory rituals, staying active and, if necessary, seeking professional help through therapy or support groups.
What is the difference between grief and depression?
Grief is a natural reaction to loss of any kind, while depression is a clinical diagnosis that can affect a person’s ability to function in daily life. It is important to be aware of the difference and seek professional help if depression is suspected.
Can people grieve in different ways depending on the type of loss?
Yes, different types of losses can affect the grieving process in different ways. For example, grief after a natural death may be different from grief after an accident or suicide. Each individual and loss is unique.
What if I feel stuck in my grief and can’t move on?
If you feel unable to move on from your grief or if it is affecting your daily functioning, it is important to seek professional help. A counsellor can help you explore and process your feelings.
Is it normal to have “good” days and “bad” days during grief processing?
Yes, it is perfectly normal to have days when you feel better and other days when grief can be overwhelming. The fluctuations in emotions are part of the natural grieving process.
Can children and teenagers also go through grief? How can you support them?
Yes, children and teenagers can experience grief in different ways. Creating an open and supportive environment where they can talk about their feelings is important. Seeking help from a therapist who specializes in children and adolescents can also be helpful.
Can you experience complicated grief? When should you seek professional help for it?
Complicated grief is characterized by intense and prolonged grief reactions that affect daily functioning. If grief becomes overwhelming or prolonged, it is important to seek professional help to avoid possible complications.
What to expect from a grief management process with a therapist?
During a grief management process with a therapist, you can expect to have a safe and supportive environment where you can talk about your feelings and thoughts about the loss. The therapist will actively listen, offer support and help you explore and understand your grief.
Is grief counseling covered by my insurance?
Grief counseling is often covered by extended benefits through your employer. Check with your insurance company to see what is included in your policy.
Grief management and the stages of grief
Everyone is different and reacts differently to grief. However, there are certain features that are common while working through grief. These do not always occur in a particular order, and it is common for grief to go back and forth between the phases.
- Shock phase
It is common to initially experience a sense of shock and unreality. It may be difficult to take in the loss or event. You may feel like you are in a kind of bubble, struggling to fully understand what has happened and what is going on around you. This initial period is usually brief, but feelings of unreality may be present for a longer period of time. - Reaction phase
As the shock slowly releases its grip, it is common for feelings of despair, worry, anger, loss and abandonment to overwhelm. Those left behind may become completely preoccupied with their grief and lack the energy to do anything else. - Processing phase
In the processing phase, people still reflect a lot on what happened, but in a slightly different way. You start to get a new perspective on the loss and try to understand how it will affect the rest of your life. - Reorientation phase
In time, most people will feel able to move forward. They do not forget what happened, and feelings of loneliness and loss may still be present. However, these feelings no longer dominate your daily life.
