Grief

The grief journey is a unique and individual journey, that is influenced by a number of factors.    When we grieve, we grieve the loss of the relationship with that person, and each relationship we have with someone is totally unique and can never be replicated with anyone else.    So, members of a family can all be grieving the same person, but grieving a totally different relationship.  Other factors that influence how we grieve are how the person died; was it a sudden and unexpected death or was it after a long illness.   Often times there can be an element of trauma associated with the loss, and that may be a big influence on how we grieve. 

We all would like a check list or a way of measuring grief, but there is no “right” or “best” way to grieve. It’s been described as riding a roller coaster wearing blindfolds.  Some people still prescribe the Kubler-Ross concepts of stages of grief, however that concept is outdated and in my opinion not very helpful .  Who we are in the world and how we see things is also a factor. People who tend to be empaths will grieve privately and quietly. Those who are strategic or task orientated may develop legacy funds. People who easily share emotion and like support will go to support groups. All of this, and perhaps many more factors, influence how we grieve.

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.

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.  

Booking An Appointment

I am in the office Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday and usually respond to inquiries within 6 hours during the week.