Grief is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. While many people associate grief with the death of a loved one, the truth is that grief can show up in many aspects of life. Whether it’s the loss of a relationship, a career, a pet, or even the loss of a dream, grief is a natural emotional response to any form of loss.
At RockBridge Counseling & Mental Health, we understand that grief doesn’t follow a clear, linear path. It can come in waves, ebbing and flowing with unexpected intensity. That’s why it’s important to talk about what grief is, how it manifests in our lives, and how therapy can help those who feel stuck in their grief.
What Is Grief?
Grief is an emotional and psychological response to a loss. While the loss of a loved one is often the first thing that comes to mind, grief can be triggered by a variety of situations. You might grieve the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, the passing of a pet, or even the realization that a long-held dream may never come true. These are all forms of loss, and they each come with their own unique experience of grief.
Dave Runion, the Executive Director at RockBridge and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, explains it well: “Sometimes it’s the loss of a dream. Sometimes it’s the loss of a relationship. There’s grief in that too.”
Grief is a complex mix of emotions that doesn’t follow a set formula. It may surprise you when it arises in ways you didn’t expect, and it can affect everyone differently. Understanding that grief isn’t just about loss through death is an essential step toward healing.
The Phases of Grief: What to Expect
One of the most widely recognized frameworks for understanding grief comes from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. These stages are often depicted as a linear progression, but in reality, they may not occur in order, nor do people experience them all. Grief can be unpredictable, and each person’s journey is unique.
- Denial: At first, it might feel like this loss isn’t real. You might think, “This can’t be happening,” even though you cognitively know it is.
- Anger: Anger is a natural response when we feel unfairly robbed or hurt. You might direct that anger toward yourself, others, or even a higher power. Dave Runion shares his own experience: “How could God allow my father to pass away? He had a good life, and he was serving Him.”
- Bargaining: In this phase, people may attempt to make deals with a higher power or wonder if things could be different if they had acted differently. Thoughts like, “If only I had done something differently, maybe this wouldn’t have happened,” can be common.
- Depression: The sadness becomes overwhelming. Grief may feel like a deep sadness, like nothing can bring joy back into your life. This phase is often the longest and can feel like a weight that’s hard to shake.
- Acceptance: Acceptance doesn’t mean being okay with the loss but rather coming to terms with it. It’s about acknowledging the reality of the loss and finding a way to move forward with a new sense of understanding and peace.
How Grief Affects Us Differently
Grief can be a deeply isolating experience. Everyone handles it in their own way, and it’s easy to feel like you’re doing it wrong when someone else seems to cope differently. Some may cry; others may not. Some may feel angry, while others may feel numb. It’s important to remember that there’s no “right” way to grieve, and no timeline for healing.
As Dave Runion points out, grief is personal: “Nobody handles grief in the same way, and that’s okay.” This is why it’s important to allow yourself to experience grief without judgment, and to understand that how you grieve is valid.
Coping with Grief: When Therapy Can Help
While not everyone who experiences grief requires therapy, some individuals may struggle to move through their grief on their own. Grief can sometimes turn into something deeper, like depression, where it feels like an overwhelming heaviness that won’t lift. In these cases, therapy can provide the support necessary to heal and regain a sense of balance.
At RockBridge Counseling & Mental Health, we offer a safe, supportive environment for people navigating grief. We understand that grief can leave you feeling lost, confused, or overwhelmed. Our therapists are here to provide psychoeducation on grief, normalizing your experience, and helping you understand why you may feel the way you do.
Therapy at RockBridge isn’t just about offering advice; it’s about creating a space where you can express your feelings openly and without fear of judgment. It’s a place where you can be real about your grief, your sadness, your anger, and any of the other emotions that arise.
“We provide a safe place for people to express whatever they want to express,” says Dave Runion. “It’s a place where you can go and say whatever you need to say, and it won’t hurt anyone’s feelings.”
Moving Forward with Grief: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by grief, remember that therapy isn’t just for those who are “broken.” It’s for anyone who feels like they need help processing their emotions in a healthy way. At RockBridge, we are here to support you through this journey, offering compassion, understanding, and practical coping strategies.
Grief can be a long and winding road, but it is also an opportunity for healing and growth. With the right support, you can navigate the ups and downs of grief and find peace again. You don’t have to go through it alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, reach out to RockBridge Counseling & Mental Health. Our team of compassionate, experienced therapists is here to help you find a way forward.
Contact RockBridge Counseling & Mental Health today at rockbridgecounseling.org or 844-527-4343 to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward healing.