Bereavement & Loss

"Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break." — William Shakespeare

The one certainty in life is that we will all face loss. Knowing this does not make the shock and pain of bereavement any easier, nor does it lessen the profound impact a loss can have on our lives. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and everyone experiences it in their own way.

It is difficult to write about bereavement and therapy without mentioning the idea of 'processing grief.' You may hear well-meaning friends say that you need to process your feelings. While the phrase can feel mechanical, it points to something important. Therapy can help you begin to make sense of your emotions. Grief often brings a complex mix of feelings: denial, anger, rage, sadness, bargaining, relief, a sense of injustice, deep pain, or even numbness—a hollow place where you feel you ought to feel something.

Therapy provides the space and time to bring these emotions together in a way that fosters clarity. It can help you honour your loved one while also practising self-care during one of life's most challenging experiences. Therapy allows you to embrace complex emotions as you adjust to your new reality, and to maintain a sense of connection with your loved one in meaningful ways. Grief is difficult to face, and it is important to remember there is no 'right' way to feel—only how you feel in each moment. Practical support can also be offered if needed.

Although this page focuses on bereavement, strong feelings of loss can arise from many different circumstances, including the ending of significant relationships or other major life changes.