5 Aspects of Grief
Approach
Grief is more of an adaptation to continuing to live without our loved one, rather than “getting over it” or moving forward, two terms that are not helpful at all in the journey.
Sharon understands the complexity of the grief process and how grief reactions are like a roller coaster ride and tend to ebb and flow on a daily basis and are not a linear process that includes stages, tasks or phases. Working to meet the specific needs of each individual in this unique process she works with the cognitive, emotional, spiritual, behavioural and physical aspects of grief. Her approach is one of normalizing the grief journey and drawing from current research to dispel some of the myths of grieving. Working together at your comfortable pace, she draws on your inner (sometimes hidden or unknown) strengths to build healthy, adaptive coping mechanisms. She will find ways to honour the legacy of your loved one and help you go on living in your new normal.
The following reactions are some of the ways people react to the death of a loved one. As grief is a very unique and individual experience, reactions vary according to personality; age; culture; religion; family background; role in the family; gender; situation/circumstances of death; their relationship with the deceased; their coping skills; and the number of losses they have already experienced. One must keep in mind that grief reactions are like a roller coaster ride and tend to ebb and flow on a daily basis and are not a linear process that includes stages or phases.
Spiritual:
- Questioning one’s belief system
- Search for meaning or understanding
- Reconstructing how one understands death
- Lose a fear of death
- Visiting mediums to communicate with the deceased
- Rituals to keep the connection alive
- Sudden or traumatic death increases a sense of helplessness, and an increased search for understanding and reason of why
Behaviors/ interpersonal relationships
- Sleep disturbances
- Crying, sometimes uncontrollably and for long periods of time
- Visiting places or carrying treasuring objects associated with the person who has died
- Restless overactivity
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of interest in the world
- Generally doing things out of character
- Old coping mechanisms don’t work
Physical:
- Klutzy and uncoordinated
- Lack energy, or extreme fatigue
- Muscular weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest/ chest pain
- Dry mouth, problem swallowing
- Stomach emptiness
- Nausea &/or digestive upset
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sensitivity to noise
- Startle easily
- Change in appetite
Emotional:
- Anger
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Shock
- Helplessness
- Hopelessness
- Apathy
- Despair
- Numbness
- Relief (sometimes, if the person was ill for a long time)
- Yearning or pining
- Frustration
- Irritability
- Loneliness or feeling isolated
- Overwhelmed
Cognitive:
- Preoccupation with thoughts of the person, to the point of obsession
- A sense of the dead person’s presence
- Disbelief or denial
- Disconnected from reality
- Distracted
- Can’t concentrate
- Can’t think straight (forgetful)
- Can’t make decisions
- Mental disorganization
Booking An Appointment
I am in the office Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday and usually respond to inquiries within 6 hours during the week.
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I am registered with College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO # 004190) and some insurance companies cover my services. Please check with your insurance company to see if they cover my services. My services are not covered under OHIP because I am not a psychiatrist and therefore you do not need a doctors referral.
My fee is $165.00 including HST and is payable by e-transfer, cheque or cash.