By Marta Hatter, LCSW — licensed clinical social worker and certified EMDR therapist with nearly three decades of experience.
Grief resulting from the loss of a friend or loved one can be excruciating and extremely traumatic. Whether through death or divorce, people struggle when a significant relationship is ended. Grief or loss counseling can be an important component to moving through the grieving process.
Symptoms
Grieving can extend for a period of time, even becoming complicated with symptoms of depression. The process of grief is very personal, following no specific timetable. Cultural values impact how people grieve. Feelings of guilt and regret may seem overwhelming. Sometimes, individuals do not know how to go on with their lives, and doing so can even seem like a betrayal of their loved ones, as if they didn’t matter.
When to seek help
Prolonged, disruptive grief is harmful, not only to the grieving individual, but also to those who love and depend on him or her. Grief counseling can help people work through the natural stages of loss – the anger, denial and despair. In some cases, depression treatment may be necessary. Working through this painful transition allows individuals to become happier, healthier people without trying to deny or bury past loves.
Integrating the lost loved one into a new life can be achieved through the process of addressing people’s feelings and making new choices to move forward. We cannot always do this alone; often we need a caring guide or a loving community to support us. But it is important that we both make the inner effort and seek the support we need from others to help us on our journey.
Reach out if you need help in your grief, and consider grief counseling and psychotherapy as an important source of assistance.
By Marta Hatter, LCSW.
She is a Certified EMDR Therapist and a member of NASW and EMDRIA. Her background also includes leadership roles in treatment programs, clinical supervision, and community education.