One definition of grief comes from the Grief Recovery Method, which states that "Grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss. Grief is the conflicting feelings caused by a change or end of a familiar pattern of behaviour." We like this definition because is validates the emotional experience we have when after a significant loss or change in our life. It is a good reminder that grief is not limited to death, and we might experience grief after many types of significant emotional loss including breakups/separation/divorce, pet loss, job loss, relocating, loss of health or physical ability, loss of trust, loss of safety, and the list goes on.
Even though grief is a natural part of life that we all experience at some point, most people struggle to cope with grief because we aren't taught the skills of how to process a loss in a healthy way. Mental health therapy can provide grievers with a safe space to process their emotions openly, and to gain valuable skills to help them navigate through loss.
Everyone's experience of grief and loss is unique to them, and even two people grieving the same loss may have totally different experiences. For this reason, there isn't a 'one-size fits all' intervention to help with grief. The client and the therapist will work together to understand the client's experience, and create a treatment plan that suits their needs.
Some clients who prefer a structured, step by step approach may gravitate toward the Grief Recovery Method. This program is based on a 7 session model that gives clients the support and tools they need to effectively heal the pain associated with a significant emotional loss. The program involves homework and reading after each session. The Grief Recovery Method is offered by Ivana Hrushowy and Heather Andrew on our therapy team.
Clients who prefer more of a flexible approach may opt for traditional talk based therapy, where they have the opportunity to discuss their thoughts and feelings related to their loss with support and guidance from the therapist. In talk based therapy, clients may work toward making meaning of their experience, exploring new perspectives, and developing new strategies and skills to help them heal from loss.
In the event of a traumatic loss, clients may also benefit from using EMDR as an intervention. EMDR helps clients to process their traumatic memories by lowering the distress associated with their experience, and shifting to a more helpful and adaptive belief system. Though grief and trauma can feel intertwined, the client and therapist will work together to process through the experience one step at a time. Several of our clinicians are trained in EMDR. Please visit our team profiles or call for more information.
