Grief and Loss

Our Approach

Our approach is to allow space and room for the one grieving, to allow you the opportunity for you to teach us what your experience is, rather than have us construct a set of goals and expectations that we expect you to meet and achieve. We are not the experts on your grief. We hope to sit with you without expectations about what should happen or what one should be feeling. There are no experts in this work.

John Welshons, in his fine book entitled Awakening from Grief, states:

“So there is no way to apply systems, rules or emotional road maps. Our job is to be a presence, rather than a savior. A companion, rather than a leader. A friend, rather than a teacher.” (p 159)

The Companioning Model of Bereavement caregiving developed by Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt is one in which we as therapists help people to integrate life’s losses by being present to observe and be a companion in the pain. He tells us that observance comes to us from ritual. It means not only “to watch out for,” but “to keep and honor, to bear witness.”

heart of bereavement Counseling

Our heart is that the one in their grief will feel validated. When we go through our grief process we in essence need reassurance that what we are experiencing is normal. Our team can help navigate and provide space for understanding and identify the ways you are reacting and coping. Some people grieve through their expression of feelings. Others grieve through problem-solving, thinking, and activities. There is no right or one way to face grief, but we do know that the speaking and telling of the grief invites one to experience more healing in your own time.