Grief and Loss

When is it time to get help?

If you are grieving the loss of someone or something important to you, t’s likely that you’re feeling all or some of the above symptoms – this is to be expected. However, when you experience these symptoms all the time, they are severe, or you’re unable to shake them off so you can function normally, then it is time to seek help.

Treatment methods for extreme grief

There are many different treatment methods that your therapist may discuss with you. Treatment may depend on what issues you are facing. For example, if you’re feeling depressed, then treatment for depression will be the best course of action. If you’re experiencing trauma, then those treatments make the most sense. Each individual has unique circumstances – together with your therapist, you’ll find the best treatment method for your needs. In general, some treatments that have been shown to be effective for grief include:

• Grief work therapy refers to the methods used in counselling that help people to grieve loss and understand their emotions associated with the loss in a healthy way, with the ultimate goal of moving forward.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
• Person centered therapy differs from more traditional therapeutic approaches in the belief that, while the therapist has expertise in many areas, the client is the expert on themselves and their lived experiences. People are essentially trustworthy and have a vast potential for understanding themselves while also being able to ultimately resolve their own problems when guided properly.
• Faith based therapy is using science-based therapeutic techniques that are administered by a therapist with similar spiritual beliefs or an understanding of those beliefs. This is not based on any one religion or spiritual belief.
• Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses narratives and/or client’s personal stories to help people separate themselves from their problems, believing that the person isn’t the problem; the problem is the problem.
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a treatment method that’s similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) but emphasizes building skills to manage stress, emotional response and regulation, mental health issues, and the psycho-social aspects of relationship building.
• Somatic Experience Therapy is a body-focused therapeutic approach designed to help individuals heal from trauma and chronic stress. Unlike traditional talk therapies, SE works directly with the nervous system, helping clients release stored tension and emotions through gentle, body-centered awareness.

Other forms of treatment include:

• The Grief Recovery Method Ⓡ
• Animal Therapy
• Equine Therapy
• Somatic Experiencing Method Ⓡ