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Though painful, grief is a natural part of life and something most of us will experience at some point. But if you're feeling overwhelmed, you might benefit from seeking help with grief management.

What is grief management?

As the term suggests, grief management is a method of dealing with grief. It is often caused by the loss of a partner, family member or friend. Grief is also common in other situations such as divorce, infertility, relationship problems or other traumatic life events.

All grief is unique in that it manifests itself differently for each person. While there are certain methods and tools that are commonly used, grief management should be individually tailored depending on the person’s needs and desires.

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

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12 common questions and answers about grief management

What is grief management and why is it important?

Grief management is the process an individual goes through when trying to deal with a major loss. It is important because it provides an opportunity to digest and understand the loss and to find ways to move on.

What are common emotions that can be experienced during grief?

Common emotions in 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.

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 their reactions to 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 therapist or counselor 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 and 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?

Lavendla therapists are not in-network with insurance plans; however, you can contact your insurance company and ask if they offer reimbursement for out of network providers.

Grief management and the stages of grief

Everyone reacts differently to grief. However, there are certain phases that seem to occur in most people’s grief journeys. These do not always occur in a particular order, and it is common for grief to go back and forth between the phases.

  1. The shock phase
    It is common to initially experience a sense of shock and unreality. It is 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. The reorientation phase
    In time, most people will feel able and willing to move on with their lives. 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.

Written by Emily Cox