“There is no grief like the grief that doesn’t speak.”
~ Longfellow
Friday
It’s been six endless months since my husband died, and the prospect of another empty weekend lies ahead.
I glance around the bedroom. My husband’s old plaid shirt is still flung across the top of the chair where he used to leave it, as if he intends to wear it again soon.
I remember all the times he wore that shirt and the things we did together.
But then, it hits me – he’s not coming back, and the heaviness of the pain in my chest crushes my breath.
The sun still rises and sets without fail, but the world has left me behind.
I sometimes wonder if I’m going crazy. I don’t know myself anymore. Who am I, and where is my place in this strange and unfamiliar world?
We live in the fullness of relationships.
When we lose a loved one, there is a painful void. Our lives are disrupted. We wonder how we will be able to go on.
Family and friends try to help, but often they become frustrated when you don’t “move on” quickly. They don’t seem to understand your grief.
They want you to be the person you once were. They don’t know how exhausting this all is and how you struggle just to put a smile on your face to please them when you feel totally numb.
You don’t know how to be who you were, now that half of you has died.
You keep thinking that “she” will enter the room or call you, but you know that that is not possible. Nothing will ever be the same.
There is so much to have to get used to.
So many knots that have to be untied.
And you aren’t sure where your place in the world is anymore – a parent without their child; a man or woman without their partner; a son or daughter without their mother or father, sister or brother.
A friend without their friend; a child without their parent, sibling, or grandparent; a pet owner without their beloved pet.
Let me be your anchor at this time of chaos.
In a safe and nonjudgmental space, we will find new ways to cope with your particular loss.
Myths and misinformation about grieving abound. Accurate and cutting-edge information will help you understand your experience and your feelings and to realize that much of what you are feeling is normal.
With empathy and compassion, explore the reasons that you may be stuck in your grieving process, and learn to take steps to move ahead, without letting go of love.
Learn self-care strategies to nurture yourself and treat yourself with kindness during this critical period.
Tell your unique story of grief and free yourself of past hurts and resentments that derail your engagement with life and rob you of meaning and purpose.
“There are three needs of the griever: to find the words for the loss, to say the words aloud, and to know the words have been heard.”
~ Victoria Alexander
When you’ve lost your way, call now to get help from a grief therapist who understands your grief. In my office, or in your home via telehealth.
Hi, I’m Anita
People have an innate ability to move toward growth and healing. Sometimes, despite our best efforts though, we find ourselves in situations that are emotionally overwhelming and exhaust our ability to cope alone.
The experience of loss is a normal one in life, though never easy. Sudden, unexpected loss, traumatic loss, or multiple losses can give rise to grieving without end and even make normal grieving difficult.
Ignoring sadness and trying to go on with life as usual when you know something is wrong takes its toll on your health and well-being – and can even hasten cognitive decline.
Relationships are messy, and so is grief. Exploring positive and negative aspects of relationships with loved ones can help you move through the grieving and provides the opportunity to experience transformation and growth, even after a traumatic loss.
If you see yourself in any of the scenarios described above, or have experienced any loss or life transition that is getting in your way of living fully in the present, take the first step toward feeling better and getting the help you deserve.
Explore the services that I offer to see which is right for you:
Grief Counseling
for “normal” and complicated
or prolonged grieving
Individual Therapy
for depression and anxiety,
healing destructive patterns that
keep people from living life to the fullest
Aging Support
psychoeducation and counseling
for all aspects of aging
Grief counseling can help you find hope,
re-connection, and wholeness again!
Take the first step of your healing journey today and call (216) 785-9466 for a free consultation.