Therapy for Grief and Loss

in Mission Valley, CA

Breathe Fresh Air into Healing: Find Hope and Peace with Grief and Loss Therapy in Mission Valley

Experiencing grief and loss can feel overwhelming and deeply painful. It is a natural response to losing someone or something significant in your life, whether through death, divorce, or major life changes. Grief is like navigating through a storm with no clear path to safety. There's a sense of emptiness that pervades your days, punctuated by waves of sorrow that ebb and flow unpredictably. Yet amidst the pain, there's a profound journey of healing, as you learn to cherish memories, find solace in support from others, and eventually, begin to rebuild a life that honors the love and legacy of the one you have lost. 


I understand the complexities of grief and loss and offer gentle support to help you navigate this difficult journey. Together, I will empower you to turn towards your grief and loss to find healing and wholeness, so you can begin to experience a life of joy, connection and inner peace.

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Grief Does not Have to Be Forever: Find Your Path to Healing!

How Therapy in Mission Valley can Heal Grief and Loss 


Therapy can be highly effective in helping you heal from your grief and loss by addressing its underlying causes, managing symptoms, and promoting overall well-being. I specialize in providing personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, utilizing approaches such as Self-Compassion Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques (ACT). Here are several ways therapy can facilitate healing from grief and loss:

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Validation and Understanding

Therapists offer validation of feelings and help individuals understand the normalcy of their grief reactions, reducing feelings of isolation

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Exploration of Meaning

Therapy helps individuals explore the meaning and significance of the loss, fostering a sense of understanding and acceptance

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Memory Exploration

Therapists encourage clients to share memories of their loved ones, helping to keep their memory alive and process feelings of longing

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Adjustment to Life Changes

Therapy supports individuals in adjusting to life without their loved one, including changes in routines, roles, and relationships

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Finding Purpose and Meaning

Therapy assists individuals in finding new sources of purpose and meaning in life after loss, facilitating personal growth

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Grief Rituals and Closure

Therapists may guide clients through grief rituals or ceremonies to honor their loved one and find closure

Practical Tips to Heal Your Grief and Loss Symptoms

When we are experiencing a deep loss in our life and have a heavy sadness that at times feels unbearable, there are many coping skills we can implement to decrease those grief and loss symptoms, and which can help us to stay connected to the present moment. Some of these coping skills include: 

Allow Yourself to Grieve

Give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions. It's normal to experience a range of feelings like sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness

Maintain Self-Care

Engage in gentle physical activities like stretching, walking, or tapping your feet to feel connected to your body and the present moment

Express Yourself

Find outlets for expressing your emotions, whether through writing, art, music, or talking with a supportive person

Give Yourself Time

Healing from grief takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself the space to heal at your own pace

Mindful Breathing

Focus on slow, deep breathing to calm the nervous system and bring attention to the sensation of your breath moving in and out

Set Realistic Goals

Break tasks into manageable steps and set small, sometimes very small, achievable goals for yourself to maintain a sense of accomplishment and progress

Healing From Grief Takes Time

Remember that healing from grief and loss is a gradual process, and it is important to be patient with yourself. Please give yourself as much time as needed, as healing from grief can take many months to many years, and it is important to not put a time frame on grief. You can incorporate these tips into your daily routine and adapt them based on what works best for you. Consistency and self-care are key to managing grief and loss symptoms and improving your overall well-being.

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Common Questions About Grief and Loss

  • Am I experiencing grief and loss?

    Grief and loss refers to the emotional and psychological response to the death of a loved one or the experience of losing someone or something significant in one's life. Grief is a natural and complex process that can involve a range of emotions, thoughts and behaviors as individuals come to terms with their loss.


    Grief and Loss is a deeply personal experience, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It is important when you are experiencing these intense feelings, that you spend a little bit of time honoring, acknowledging and accepting these feelings just as they are, while finding healthy ways to cope and adjust to life after loss. This is not always an easy process, so I please ask if you can find a little bit of patience and self-compassion on yourself during this time. 


    While grief is a highly individualized process, some models describe stages or phases of grief that individuals may experience, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. However, it's important to note that not everyone will go through these stages in a linear fashion, and the experience of grief can be fluid and unpredictable. 


    If you are experiencing feelings of grief and loss and would like some support while you are going through this difficult time, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

  • What are symptoms of grief and loss?

    When someone experiences grief and loss, they may exhibit a range of emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms. These can vary widely from person to person, but common symptoms include:


    • Emotional Symptoms:

         • Intense sadness

         • Shock or disbelief

         • Numbness or detachment

         • Guilt or regret

         • Anger or irritability

         • Anxiety or worry

         • Helplessness or hopelessness

         • Loneliness or isolation

         • Physical Symptoms:


    • Fatigue or low energy

         • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or   

            excessive sleeping)

         • Changes in appetite (loss of appetite or overeating)

         • Physical aches or pains

         • Weakened immune system (increased susceptibility to illness)


    • Cognitive Symptoms:

         • Confusion or difficulty concentrating

         • Forgetfulness

         • Preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased

         • Difficulty making decisions


    • Behavioral Symptoms:

         • Crying spells

         • Avoiding reminders of the loss

         • Social withdrawal or isolation

         • Irritability or agitation

         • Restlessness or pacing

         • Changes in speech (speaking more slowly or rapidly)

         • Searching or calling out for the deceased


    •Spiritual Symptoms:

         • Questioning beliefs or values

         • Feelings of emptiness or loss of purpose

         • Seeking meaning or understanding


    It's important to note that experiencing these symptoms is a normal part of grieving, and they can vary in intensity and duration depending on individual circumstances and relationships. However, if these symptoms persist for an extended period, significantly impair daily functioning, or lead to thoughts of self-harm, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

  • What is Prologned Grief Disorder?

    What is Prolonged Grief Disorder?


    Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) came out as a mental health disorder in 2022, and is also known as complicated grief. It is a condition characterized by persistent and intense grief reactions that significantly impair a person's ability to function in daily life. It typically occurs after the loss of a loved one but can also follow other significant losses.


    Key features of prolonged grief disorder include:


    • Persistent longing or yearning: A strong desire to be reunited with the deceased person, accompanied by intense emotional pain.


    • Preoccupation with the deceased: Constantly thinking about the deceased person or feeling as if you can't accept the loss.


    • Difficulty accepting the loss: Feeling disbelief or emotional numbness related to the loss.


    • Emotional distress: Intense emotional pain, sorrow, or anger related to the loss that does not seem to lessen over time.


    • Functional impairment: Difficulty carrying out normal daily activities or maintaining relationships due to the intensity of grief symptoms.


    To be diagnosed with prolonged grief disorder, these symptoms must persist for at least six months after the loss and significantly impair the person's life. It's important to note that experiencing grief after a loss is a normal part of life, but if grief becomes overwhelming and persists for an extended period, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

  • Grief and loss screening questionnaire

    This is a Grief and Loss Screening Questionnaire and can be self-scored. Please consider the time frame of these questions occuring over the last 1-3 months. The scoring scale is at the end of the questionnaire.


    0=Not at all

    1= Somewhat

    2= A lot


    1. How much are you having trouble accepting the death of ______________?


    2. How much does your grief still interfere with your life?


    3. How much are you having images or thoughts of _____________ when s/he/they died or other thoughts about the death that really bother you?


    4. Are there things you used to do when ______ was alive that you don’t feel comfortable doing anymore, or that you avoid? Like going somewhere you went with him/her/they, or doing things you used to enjoy together? Or avoiding looking at pictures or talking about _________? How much are you avoiding these things?


    5. How much are you feeling cut off or distant from other people since _________ died, even people you used to be close to like family or friends?


    A score of 4 or more suggests you may have complicated grief, and you may want to consider talking with your medical doctor or a therapist as soon as possible. Please feel free to reach out to me and I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery. 

  • Should I go to therapy if I am experiencing grief and loss?

    Seeking therapy can be incredibly beneficial if you are experiencing grief and loss. Here are a few reasons why therapy might be helpful:


    • Emotional Support: A therapist can provide a safe space for you to express and process your emotions without judgment. Grief can be overwhelming, and having someone who listens empathetically can be very comforting.


    • Guidance and Coping Strategies: Therapists are trained to help people navigate through the grieving process. They can offer practical strategies and coping skills to manage intense emotions, cope with triggers, and adjust to life changes.


    • Understanding Grief: Grief is a complex and individual experience. A therapist can help you understand the different stages of grief, normalize your feelings, and validate your experience.


    • Preventing Complications: In some cases, grief can become complicated and lead to prolonged grief disorder or other mental health issues. Early intervention through therapy can reduce the risk of complications and support healthy grieving.


    • Support for Practical Issues: Grief often comes with practical challenges, such as managing funeral arrangements, legal matters, or changes in daily routines. A therapist can provide guidance on these practical matters or refer you to appropriate resources.


    • Support Network: Therapy can also help you build or strengthen your support network. A therapist can assist you in identifying supportive friends, family members, or community resources that can aid in your healing process.


    Ultimately, the decision to go to therapy is personal. If you find that your grief is overwhelming, impacting your daily life, or you feel stuck in your grieving process, therapy can offer valuable support and guidance. It's important to find a therapist who specializes in grief counseling or has experience working with bereavement, as they will have the skills and understanding to help you effectively. 


    If you think you are experiencing grief and loss and are considering therapy, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

  • How many sessions of therapy are necessary for healing grief and loss?

    The number of therapy sessions needed for healing grief and loss can vary widely depending on several factors, including the individual's circumstances, the nature of the loss, the intensity of emotions, and their support system. There is no fixed number of sessions that applies universally, as each person's journey through grief is unique.


    However, here are some considerations:


    • Short-term vs. Long-term Therapy: Some individuals may find relief and develop coping strategies in a relatively short period, such as a few weeks or months of therapy. Others may benefit from longer-term therapy to address deeper emotional issues or to process complex grief.


    • Severity of Grief: If the grief is complicated or if there are underlying mental health issues, more sessions may be necessary. Complicated grief, for example, may require specialized interventions over an extended period.


    • Personal Progress: Therapy effectiveness can be influenced by how quickly someone makes progress in coping with grief, adapting to life changes, and integrating the loss into their life story.


    • Goals of Therapy: The goals you set with your therapist can also influence the duration of therapy. For some, the goal may be to manage acute grief symptoms, while for others, it may be to work through unresolved emotions or life adjustments.


    • Continued Support: Even after initial therapy sessions, some individuals may benefit from occasional check-ins or follow-up sessions during significant milestones or anniversaries related to the loss.


    Ultimately, the duration of therapy for grief and loss is individualized. It's essential to communicate openly with your therapist about your progress and any changes in your emotional state. Together, we can assess whether additional sessions are needed or if you have achieved your therapeutic goals. Remember that seeking therapy is a proactive step towards healing, and it is okay to seek ongoing support as needed throughout your grieving process. 


    Please feel free to reach out to me and I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.