Grief is a natural response to loss or change in one's life. Feelings vary from deep sadness to bursts of anger, and everyone grieves in different ways. Severe symptoms include profound sadness and emotional pain, feeling empty and hopeless, longing for a loved one, constant thoughts of someone who died, difficulty appreciating happy memories, avoidance, confusion about identity, detachment and isolation from friends and family, and reduced interest in making plans.

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How do I help? We can fulfill goals such as:

• to accept the reality of the loss

• to work through the painful feelings

• to adjust to life without the person who died

• to maintain a connection and honor the loved one while reengaging in life

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Techniques we can use include:

• Guiding you to talk about the loss, who the person was to you, and the circumstances surrounding the death

• Letting you describe your emotions and feelings

• Building coping strategies to deal with tough days like holidays, anniversaries, or birthdays

• Learning to accept that grief is a normal, expected process

• Identifying unhealthy behaviors that may be harmful for day-to-day life

• Building new relationships

• Developing a new identity