Best Counselling Psychologist in Dwarka Sector 12 Dwarka Delhi
Grief and loss are unavoidable aspects of the human journey. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or even the loss of a cherished dream, these painful events can have a profound emotional impact. It is in these moments of despair and sorrow that the importance of seeking professional help becomes evident. Counsellors, particularly those specialising in grief, play an important role in helping individuals process their emotions and embark on a healing journey. This blog explores the nature of grief and loss, the role of counsellors, and how they help people cope with life’s most challenging experiences.
What is Grief?
Grief is the emotional, physical, and psychological response to a loss. It is an intense feeling of sorrow and sadness, and it can be accompanied by confusion, anger, guilt, and even relief. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and there is no single "right" way to navigate it. The loss of a loved one, for example, can evoke a wide range of reactions, from shock and disbelief to deep sadness, loneliness and isolation. These feelings can be overwhelming and challenging to manage on your own.
Types of Grief
Grief comes in many forms, depending on the nature of the loss:
- Anticipatory Grief: This occurs before a loss happens, such as when someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Individuals may begin to grieve the impending loss while still trying to maintain hope.
- Normal Grief: This is the typical grieving process following a loss, where the person gradually comes to terms with their emotions and adjusts to life without the loved one.
- Complicated Grief: When grief becomes prolonged or intense, interfering with daily functioning, it may be categorised as complicated or prolonged grief. It can lead to symptoms similar to depression or anxiety.
- Disenfranchised Grief: This occurs when a person’s grief is not acknowledged or validated by society, such as in cases of miscarriage, divorce, or the loss of a pet.
The Role of a Counsellor in Grief
Counsellors, particularly those trained in grief therapy, provide a safe and supportive space for individuals experiencing loss. They help clients navigate through their emotional and psychological pain, offering tools and strategies for managing overwhelming feelings. Below are some of the key roles counsellors play in the grieving process:
1. Providing Emotional Support
Grieving individuals often feel alone or misunderstood, especially if their grief is complex or disenfranchised. Counsellors provide a non-judgmental space where clients can express their emotions freely. This is essential because suppressing grief can prolong the healing process. Counsellors validate the individual’s feelings and let them know that what they are experiencing is normal, helping to reduce feelings of isolation.
2. Helping to Process Grief
The grief process can be messy and confusing. A counsellor helps the individual process their grief in a healthy way, breaking down the emotions and providing clarity on what they are feeling. Through various therapeutic techniques such as narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness, a counsellor helps individuals understand their grief and how it affects their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions.
3. Creating a Safe Space for Expression
Often, people find it difficult to express their grief because it feels too intense or painful. Counsellors provide a safe, confidential environment where individuals can speak about their loss without fear of judgment. Verbalising grief is one of the first steps toward healing, as it allows the person to process and release emotions that might otherwise remain bottled up.
4. Assisting in the Adjustment to Life After Loss
Grief doesn’t follow a linear path, and healing can take time. A counsellor helps clients navigate through the changes that come with loss, whether it’s adjusting to new roles or dealing with a shift in personal identity. Over time, clients learn to integrate their grief into their lives and find ways to move forward while still honouring their loved one’s memory.
5. Helping with Coping Strategies
Counsellors teach clients healthy coping strategies to deal with difficult emotions. Techniques like relaxation exercises, journaling, and mindfulness can help manage anxiety and sadness. In some cases, counsellors also work with clients to develop problem-solving skills and self-care practices that enhance emotional resilience during challenging times.
How Psychowellness Center Supports Grieving Individuals
At Psychowellness Center, the team of experienced professionals recognises the profound impact that grief can have on mental well-being. The center offers a variety of services to help individuals cope with grief and loss, including individual therapy , group therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and emotional support workshops.
- Dr. R K Suri, an experienced clinical psychologist, provides expert counselling services for individuals coping with grief. With his compassionate approach, Dr. Suri has helped countless individuals navigate through the challenging process of loss, offering valuable tools for emotional healing.
- Mr. Utkarsh Yadav, a skilled therapist at Psychowellness Center, brings a deep understanding of emotional well-being and provides effective grief counselling through evidence-based techniques. He focuses on helping clients build emotional resilience and offers personalised strategies for coping with grief.
- Ms. Sakshi Dhankhar, a counsellor with a special interest in trauma and loss, helps clients process their grief through empathetic listening and supportive counselling. She works closely with clients to guide them through their emotional turmoil and help them find hope for the future.
- Ms. Tanu Sangwan, an experienced mental health professional, uses a holistic approach to grief therapy. She combines therapeutic techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals heal emotionally and regain their sense of self.
Conclusion
Grief is a complex and emotional journey, and the support of a qualified counsellor can be invaluable during this time. At Psychowellness Center, clients struggling with grief and loss can find solace and guidance from a team of dedicated professionals. Whether through individual therapy or group sessions, these counsellors offer compassionate and tailored support to help individuals heal from their grief and rebuild their lives.
Contributed by Ms. Sakshi Dhankhar, Counselling Psychologist
References:
Kubler-Ross, E. (1969). On Death and Dying. Macmillan.
Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief Counselling and Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner (4th ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Center for Loss and Life Transition. (2021). Understanding Grief. www.centerforloss.com
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