Deborah Mitchell Counselling

This is one of the most significant and challenging life transitions a client will experience. It is a normal human process, though often made complex by the circumstances of the loss and the relationship to the departed. Clients are likely to experience a range of emotions including sadness, emptiness, anger, disbelief, shock, denial, resistance, helplessness, loneliness, poor sleep, dread and fear, loss of appetite, despair, relief. Some days will be more challenging than others as clients navigate the complex nature of their feelings and begin to adapt to their changed circumstances.

Clients often come to counselling because they are struggling to come to terms with their loss. There may be complex circumstances around the bereavement that are delaying the normal process of grief. You may be experiencing Anticipatory Grief, witnessing the demise of a loved one, over the course of months or years.

There are other types of loss too. They include loss of health, loss of independence, loss of home, loss of a loved pet, loss of a significant relationship, loss of a career, separation and divorce, ageing, loss of autonomy.

How I help clients who experience grief and loss

One of the most difficult aspects of grieving that clients face, is emotional overwhelm and the fear of never coming to terms with their loss. Their lives will never be the same again and life can seem futile. I will support you through the normal process of your grief. A process which takes time. For those of you who are experiencing Complicated Grief we will work through the complexity of your emotions. Likewise, for those struggling to come to terms with the Anticipated Grief of someone significant in your life. I will encourage self care, kindness and self compassion throughout your process with a view also, to the future, and how you might find connection, meaning and purpose once more.

If this sounds familiar to your experience of Grieving and Loss and you would like to access support, I’m here to help. Please contact me……

A Poem about Grieving

May you find shelter in the sanctuary of grief,

Feel, the sadness residing there,

Gently roll with the waves of grief,

Feel, the love residing there,

May you find solace in the shared knowing of grief,

Know that healing, resides here.