Grief and Loss Therapy in Warrenville or IL Tele-Therapy

Grief and loss is a unique type of sadness. Grief and loss can be complicated dependent on the type of relationship you had with your loved one, pet, role, or relationship. When you experience the loss of a person or pet, people may tell you to “be happy they aren’t in pain anymore” or “at least you had them for as long as you did.” These sayings may come from a good place but they are unhelpful and don't feel great. It doesn’t capture the depth of what it means to lose someone, especially a parent, caregiver, partner, spouse, family member or pet.

Grief comes in waves. Your first reaction may be shock and then you may become busy with taking care of final affairs and arrangements. After those things are over, the silence begins and the journey of grief is ever present. 

Is there such a thing as grieving too much?

The grief process is different for everyone, but if it becomes overwhelming and too intense, therapy can help. These are the symptoms that grief is turning towards more severe depression or complicated grief.

1. Emotional Symptoms: 

• Intense sadness and longing for the deceased 
• Feelings of emptiness or numbness 
• Guilt or regret over things said or unsaid 
• Anger or irritability towards others or the situation 
• Anxiety or fear about the future 
• Depression

2. Physical Symptoms:

• Fatigue or exhaustion 
• Changes in appetite (eating more or less) 
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping 
• Physical aches and pains (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) 
• Increased susceptibility to illnesses 

3. Cognitive Symptoms: 

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing 
• Disorientation or confusion 
• Preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased 
• Memory lapses or forgetfulness 

4. Behavioral Symptoms: 

• Withdrawing from social activities or relationships 
• Neglecting personal hygiene or self-care 
• Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors 
• Crying frequently or uncontrollably 

5. Spiritual Symptoms: 

- Questioning beliefs or faith 

- Seeking meaning or purpose in life 

- Feeling a sense of connection or disconnection with a higher power It's important to note that everyone experiences grief differently, and not all individuals will exhibit all of these symptoms.

How long does it take to get over loss?

That answer is unique for everyone. It could be months, but the grief journey ebbs and flows and changes with time. If intense grief lasts longer than a year and is affecting your mood, your job, relationships, and you are showing signs of depression, it is beneficial to see a grief counselor. You can experience grief over the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, a stage of life, and relationships.

What if my relationship with my loved one was complicated?

If your relationship was complicated, you may go through a wave of emotions like sadness, anger, or confusion. Grief counseling and therapy is a safe place to explore and process these feelings without judgement.

The goal of grief counseling is to help you work through complicated feelings and process the immense loss you feel. Our Warrenville therapists work with grief and loss. We offer in person appointments and online/video grief therapy to residents of Illinois. Our therapists use many different interventions to help you process your grief. Some members of the therapy team have worked in hospice and end of life settings and now use this experience in private therapy. Please give is a call today to be connected with a therapist who closely matches what your goals are. 

How Does Therapy Help for Grief

Therapy can be a crucial support for individuals experiencing grief and loss. It provides a safe space to express and process complex emotions, helping individuals navigate the often overwhelming feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion. Therapists can offer coping strategies and tools to manage the intense emotions and symptoms associated with grief. By exploring and understanding the personal impact of loss, therapy can facilitate healing and help individuals find meaning and resilience in their lives. Whether in person in Warrenville or online throughout Illinois, our compassionate approach ensures that you feel heard, supported, and empowered on your journey through grief.