Grief and Loss

Dealing with a significant loss can be one of the most difficult times in a person’s life.  Unfortunately, our society does not prepare us for when that time comes. There are many kinds of losses capable of evoking a grief response, and, true to grief form; these responses vary from person to person and differ in duration, depth, and complexity.  When a person’s losses are minimized, unacknowledged or disenfranchised, this can lead to negative coping responses.  It is imperative that as therapists we broaden the definition and understanding of loss and grief and give our clients permission to mourn. 

"I was away on vacation with my husband when I got the news.  My mother, the matriarch of our family and my best friend had terminal cancer.  How could this be?  I just saw her two weeks ago!  She looked perfectly fine.  Why didn't she tell me she wasn't feeling well? My life has been turned upside down.  I now go from anger to uncontrollable crying in the span of sixty seconds.  I'm afraid I can't compose myself long enough to be present for my mom.  She needs me now more than ever."