Bereavement and Loss Counselling

 

 

As part of my psychotherapy training I worked for a number of years at Wandsworth Bereavement Service and I gained extensive experience of working with bereaved people. Some of my clients were deeply traumatised by a sudden loss due to an accident or suicide and could no longer function, life had lost meaning for them. Others were exhausted and depleted, as well as saddened by their loss, having spent a long time nursing a terminally-ill relative.

 

Each story is different and painful in its own way and it is important that it has a space to be told. Unfortunately in our society death is still a taboo subject for many and if you are grieving the loss of someone close to you, you may find that it is not easy to talk about your loss openly and to express your emotions, as people around you feel increasingly uncomfortable with the issue and expect you to be ‘ok’ after a certain time. However, trying to be ‘ok’ before you are actually ready can make things worse in the long term. If the natural grieving process is stopped prematurely, the suppressed emotions may come back to the surface later in form of depression or anxiety.

 

In our sessions I will help you work through your grief and we may also explore some coping mechanisms to help you when you are on your own. You will have a safe space and confidentiality to come to terms with your loss and process all the feelings arising from this life-changing event, as grief often involves a progression of different emotions and reactions that include shock and/or numbness, anxiety, anger and sadness, all experienced in a uniquely personal way and often very difficult for people around to completely understand.  

 

I really, really recommend seeking help if your loss seems overwhelming and your life is being adversely affected by your grief.

 

I also warmly welcome clients who are mourning the loss of a pet, or any other important and meaningful part of their life.