Grief and Loss Counseling
Move ahead with your life and Leave sorrow and grief behind
Also known as bereavement, grief is normal and necessary. Grief counseling focuses on addressing a deep sadness coming from the end of a relationship, a life, or a state of being. Grief can be attributed to something as complicated as the loss of a parent or something as specific as the loss of a loved pet or the sale of a family home.
Grief is a positive approach to loss and allows us to move through it. Grief is healthy. I help clients sit with it, walk through it, and realize a deeper peace and connection because of it.
I base my grief counseling practice largely on the Kübler-Ross model, also known as “the five stages of grief.” This model applies to grieving death, children grieving a divorce, adults grieving a break-up, and individuals grieving in substance abuse. Although referred to as “stages”, the following are not necessarily chronological and do not always present themselves.
An Efficient and powerful Way Of dealing with grief
People can grieve the loss of many things in life and often, for many different reasons due to:
- The death of a loved one and/or family member, including pets;
- A divorce, break-up or a significant shift in an important relationship, perhaps even including friends;
- Changes in your health or the health of some one you care about;
- The loss of a job or changes in your financial circumstances;
- Shifts to your every day life which for some could include a move, retirement or even a new job which perhaps wasn’t part of your plan.
I help clients to navigate the challenging emotions, beliefs, and thoughts that often occur while grieving and offer you a safe space to explore your feelings, make better sense of what is often a confusing time, receive support and develop strategies for moving forward.
The stages considered include one or all of the following, which may present themselves in any order, at any time:
- Denial (“I feel fine.”)
- Anger (“Why me? It’s not fair!”)
- Bargaining (“I’ll do anything if….”)
- Depression (“I’m so sad…why bother with anything?”)
- Acceptance (“It’s going to be okay.)
What Is Complicated Grief And How It Manifests
Please note that for some people, feelings of loss are debilitating and don’t improve even after time passes. This is known as complicated grief.
In complicated grief, painful emotions are so long-lasting and severe that you have trouble accepting the loss and resuming your own life. I help clients move through and beyond this to reclaim and re-experience the life that is theirs. Complicated grief is like being in a chronic, heightened state of mourning.
Signs and symptoms of complicated grief can include:
- Extreme focus on the loss and reminders of the loved one
- Intense longing or pining for the deceased
- Problems accepting the death
- Numbness or detachment
- Preoccupation with your sorrow
- Bitterness about your loss
- Inability to enjoy life
- Depression or deep sadness
- Trouble carrying out normal routines
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Feeling that life holds no meaning or purpose
- Irritability or agitation
- Lack of trust in others
Why Trust Me?
We all react differently to loss and grief, and it’s perfectly normal to need someone to guide you through the sorrow. My commitment ranked me in the Top 3 Marriage Counselors in San Diego, CA, so you can be confident I’ll ease your journey.
Here’s what my clients say about me:
Nick C
I came to Lori a couple years ago when I found myself in a difficult life situation. I didn’t know what to expect as I had never been in therapy before, but I felt comfortable immediately.
Since then, Lori has been a lifesaver. I’ve discovered so much and made several big life changes, all with her guidance and support, and I can definitely say that I am in a much better place because of her.
Our meetings now have evolved a bit based on my life changes, which I have found to be tremendously helpful, since Lori offers a very diverse range of services that can accommodate anyone in any stage of his/her life. She is incredible and I can’t recommend her highly enough.
One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life was walking into her office.
Jenny N
Making the decision to go to therapy was not easy and I honestly didn’t think I was going to make it past the first week.
After meeting Lori, my whole perspective shifted and I haven’t looked back since. Having someone so tentative to my process and feelings was something I’ve never experienced before.
I am grateful for finding this office and starting this journey. I would recommend Lori to anyone who is ready to start their own journey to a healthier life!
Contact Me
Please contact me TODAY to explore the opportunity for clarity and peace in your life and relationships. I look forward to answering your questions, learning more about your UNIQUE situation, and getting an appointment scheduled that works for you.
Please note that I work with several busy executives and other professionals for whom leaving the office becomes the biggest hurdle to forward movement in their most critical relationships–in marriage, family, and work. For a fee, I do arrange sessions at client offices and am happy to discuss details with you in person or by phone. I also conduct sessions via Skype for out-of-town clients.
- 2635 Camino del Rio S Suite 302, San Diego, CA 92108
- (858) 442-0798