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It is easy to assume that grief is always short-lived and transient. But we are often reminded of the opposite. In our grief management service, we go through the different stages of grief and adapt our guidance to your situation.

What is grief management?

As the term suggests, grief management is a method of dealing with grief. Grief is often caused by the loss of a partner, family member or friend. This does not necessarily mean the death of a loved one; 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, grief management needs to be individually tailored, even though there are methods and tools to use.

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 FAQs about Grief Management

What is grief management and why is it important?

Grief processing is the process through which an individual goes through when 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 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. However, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that grief processing is improved by communicating about it. Putting unspoken feelings and thoughts into words. In this way, you can let go of them and move on.

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 differently. 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 therapist or 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. It is important to create an open and supportive environment where they can talk about their feelings. Seeking help from a therapist specialising 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 can you 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 counselling covered by my insurance?

Grief counseling is often covered by home and life insurance policies. Check with your insurance company to find out what is included in your policy.

Grief management and the stages of grief

Everyone is different and reacts differently to grief. However, certain features are standard to our grief work and can be summarized in various phases. These do not constantly 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 expected to experience a sense of shock and unreality initially. It is difficult to take in the loss or event. You may feel like you are in a bubble, struggling to fully understand what has happened and what is happening around you. This initial period is usually brief, but feelings of unreality may be present for a more extended period.
  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 preoccupied with 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
    Most people will eventually be able and willing to move on. They do not forget what happened, and feelings of loneliness and loss may still be present. However, these feelings no longer dominate their daily lives.

Written by Samantha Pieterse

Sr. Samantha Pieterse is a registered psychiatric nurse who is deeply committed to mental health and well-being. Samantha brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role as an editor for Lavendla South Africa. She has worked in Government and Private mental healthcare institutions in Gauteng and her expertise ensures that the articles on our website are accurate and accessible. Samantha is dedicated to enhancing mental health awareness and education in South Africa.