Grief is a natural human response to loss. It can take many forms and last for different lengths of time—there’s no single right way to experience it.
What are you facing?
You don’t have to deal with it alone.
Every grief process is a personal and individual experience, and there is no right or wrong way. With the help of psychologists, you can find a way to cope with this sad feeling and rebuild your life after the grieving process.
The grieving process usually goes through several phases, such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These phases do not strictly follow one another, and people may experience them in different ways. Different feelings can come and go during this time, for example sadness, emptiness, anger, guilt, anxiety, and loneliness.
Psychologists try to help mourners understand and manage the grieving process. This can happen in individual or group therapy as well.
How can a psychologist help those who are grieving?
Helps understand and process emotions.
Creates a safe environment where a person can freely express their feelings and thoughts.
Helps understand and accept the grieving process, including its different phases and characteristics; this can help a person recognize that grief is a normal and natural response to loss.
Can introduce the person to strategies and techniques that may help make the grieving process easier, such as stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Can help a person build supportive relationships and networks that can support them during the grieving process.
Can help the grieving person find a way toward a new life and a fresh start after loss. This may include setting new goals, rethinking their life path, and encouraging positive changes in life.
Overall, a psychologist can help a person understand and manage the grieving process, and find a way to rebuild life after processing the loss.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the grieving process last after losing a close family member?
There is no fixed time limit. The most intense part of processing it usually lasts one to two years, but the feeling of loss may stay with us in a milder form for the rest of our lives.
Are there physical symptoms of grief?
Yes, for example constant tiredness, weakness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and loss of appetite can all be symptoms.
Why does the pain flare up again months after the funeral?
Grief is not a straight line: anniversaries, holidays, or even a certain smell or object can unexpectedly bring back painful memories at any time.
When is the point where professional help is definitely needed?
It is worth seeing a psychologist if the pain does not ease after months, if you become completely isolated, or if you are unable to handle your daily tasks.
Those who help
Find the right therapist for you.
We’ve gathered the key facts about private counseling to give you a clear and realistic understanding of how psychological processes work.