Grief & Loss Counseling Rochester NY
Emotional Support therapy during difficult times
Understanding the natural process of grieving
Grief is an overwhelming feeling after a loss in your life. Whether that’s the loss of a loved one, pet, job, or health issue like becoming severely handicapped, everyone processes grief their own way and on their own timeline. Remember, your grief is valid and it’s natural to feel sad, guilty, angry, and overwhelmed after a loss. I can help you navigate and process your emotions, talk through your pain in a safe environment, and help you deal with the difficulties you may be facing.
What to expect from Grief & Loss Counseling
Grief can have Adverse Effects on your Physical Health
Grief counseling is a supportive space for you to let go in confidence, experience all of your emotions, and discuss anything you need in response to your loss. I can help walk you through the complexities of the emotions that you’re feeling and allow you to grieve in your own way. After your loss, you may experience some of all of the 5 stages of grief:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
You may have thoughts running through your head about how you are going to miss a loved one, all the things you should have done, all the events they won’t be at and more. All of these thoughts that are okay to have and are part of the natural grieving process. By allowing yourself to express your feelings, ask questions, and identify details, you’re on a path to getting better the way YOU need to.
While “time” doesn’t actually “heals all wounds,” if you allow yourself to grieve and get support during this tough time, you will be able to heal and get back to some semblance of yourself, despite the void left by your loss.
Grief & Loss Counseling Services with Anita McLeod
As a licensed mental health professional with over 20 years helping families and individuals with the loss of a loved one, family pet, or other circumstances like incarceration, I have the experience to help you cope with your loss and learn to move forward when you are ready.
Isolation vs Social Support
It's very natural after a loss to want to be alone as this can allow you to grieve, experience your emotions without embarrassment, and allow you to remember those lost in your own way. While these can help process your grief, extended time completely isolated away from your support network can have negative effects.
If you have thoughts about self-harm or worse, consider calling the National Suicide Prevention hotline 800-273-8255.
Counseling can help you break through and regain your confidence to socialize. I'll help you identify emotional triggers and give you tools to overcome judgment or anxiety, and regain your self-esteem.
Grief and Health
The overwhelming feeling of grief can take a toll on you 24 hours a day. Grief can come in the form of:
- Overwhelming emotions or numbness
- Poor sleep or lack of appetite
- Inability to concentrate, headaches or fatigue
- Racing heart or other physical pains
These symptoms can persist for days or months, and can be very disruptive. While it's understandable to feel the way you do, it's important to try and take good care of yourself. A lack of nutrition, sleep and other deficiencies can exacerbate or cause new health issues, in addition to negative feelings from grief.
How I help counseling clients
While you may feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of the future, a grief counselor can be your lifeline out of a dark place. I can help you manage emotions and the new difficulty of daily life. I can help you process and reflect on your loss in the way you want. I can help you learn coping strategies, build resilience, and help you get your life back on track, despite this difficult event.
If there are other mentally difficult challenges you face that are outside of grieving, I can help with that too.
What our grief & loss counseling clients are saying
Grief & Loss Counseling Testimonials
Schedule An Appointment With McLeod Counseling, PLLC
For A Complimentary Phone Consultation
If you are a new client wanting to schedule a counseling session or or an assessment service, please call me at 585-967-9700 or fill out our form with your best phone number and email so I can get back to you within 2 business days.
As a reminder, I am committed to your privacy. Do not include confidential or private information regarding your health or condition as this form is for general questions and appointments.
Get In Touch
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long will my grief last?
Q. How do I know if I am grieving normally?
Q. How can I take care of myself while grieving?
Taking care of yourself can be difficult from both the physical and mental aspects.
Physically:
Eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep are critical.
- Cook in bulk as likely not want to cook very often. If you have support around you, people providing meals would be extremely helpful, just make sure you’re not constantly eating fast food
- Continue to exercise, maybe doing 50-80% of your normal workout or start working out more as it could be a positive “distraction” for you
- Sleep an appropriate amount. While this may be difficult, you may want to take more naps as a full night’s sleep might not be possible
Mentally:
- Allow yourself to feel the emotions and “cry it out” as that’s a natural response to grief
- Reach out to friends and family for support
- Try practicing mindfulness and not letting your mind wander
Q. How can I know when I am ready to move forward after a loss?
The lack of overwhelming feelings and sadness when thinking about the loss is a good indicator. This can ebb and flow where some days you’re not as overwhelmed but others are more difficult. These steps forward and backward are okay and natural.
You may also notice you feel encouraged to be more social and connected to those around you than previously when you were feeling more isolated. Again, another good stepping stone to moving forward.