Grief is a natural process to loss especially when dealing with the death of a loved one. However, other forms of loss can also result in one experiencing some or all of the grief stages and other emotions. Grief affects the whole person – emotional, physical, spiritual, cognitive and behavioural. The experience and expressions of grief are as unique and varied as the individual experiencing it.
Grief may result from any significant change or loss in our lives. Life is change. We undergo change, loss and grief from birth onward. Every venture from home, every move, every job or status change; every loss of a person, pet, belief, every illness; every shift in life such as marriage, divorce or retirement; every kind of personal growth and change may be a cause for grief. These are what Elizabeth Kubler Ross calls ‘the little deaths’ of life.
Other examples of loss can be;
- Crime related.
- Loss of community / belonging.
- Children leaving home (empty nest) or emigrating.
- Loss of independence due to an illness / diagnosis impacting not only on the patient but caregiver as well.
- Loss of a cherished dream.
- Life adjustments such as living with a disability or debilitative medical condition.
As we recover from grief, some grow and develop new strengths naturally. Usually we need some support as well as new ideas to speed our recovery and growth. Getting someone to listen to us during our grief/loss journey assists in examining beliefs and deficiencies as well as support in considering options to take that will bring about the changes we desire in our lives. .
“LET’S TALK” about whatever is in your HEART and get you to a place of HOPE, WHOLENESS and GROWTH.
Please feel free to contact me for further information and/or to set up a FREE session to find out how I may be of assistance to you.
Contact through FaceBook: Let’s Talk Coaching & Counselling
Please feel free to phone me: 082 493 0534
You are welcome to contact me via email: luisa@letstalk.capetown
Luisa De Oliveira
Let’s Talk Coaching & Counselling