Grief & Loss

Grief & Loss

When one considers grief/loss, death may be the first thing that comes to mind. However, grief and loss are not only limited to the death of a loved one; grief can also be a result of a loss of a relationship, the death of a dream, job loss, death of a beloved pet, health crisis and/or disabling injury/disease.

 

Common displays of grief include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Frequent crying spells
  • Depressive feelings
  • Numbness/Shock
  • Loneliness
  • Isolation
  • Guilt
  • Fears
  • Anxiety
  • Avoidance measures
  • Increased drug/alcohol use
  • Loss of enjoyment in previously enjoyable activities

You may have heard someone say, “There is no wrong way to grieve,” and while that remains essentially true, there does seem to be more healthy/adaptive ways to grieve versus not.

 

Additionally, while some may describe grief in stages or steps, including 1) Denial, 2) Anger, 3) Bargaining, 4) Depression, and 5) Acceptance, it is actually more like experiencing a tornado of emotions versus a linear progression of steps. It is common to move from one emotional experience to another across days and sometimes even hour to hour. I have heard grief described as feeling like a tidal wave, knocking a person over at certain points of the grieving process with excruciating pain and suffering.

 

Grief/loss is an unavoidable part of everyone’s experience on Earth. However, because the emotions that accompany grief/loss are so painful, it seems that many people try to avoid discussing these topics at any great length or depth. After a loss, you may have found it challenging to open up a meaningful dialogue with even your closest friends or family.  I, as your therapist, can in no way decrease the sorrow you’re experiencing. However, I can allow you a space to talk openly about your loss, your loved one, your new life perspective in a way that feels safe, welcoming, and freeing. In my therapy room, I will sit with you and figuratively hold you and embrace your suffering while you process your grief/loss in the days, weeks, months, or years that follow. Through receiving empathy and having empathy for oneself, you can develop a life skill that will help you move through your grief.

"I met with Dr Westercamp for the first time in the Fall of 2015. I was struggling with a major tragedy in my life and we connected instantly. She was unforgettably caring, supportive and affirming. A few years later, I needed to deal with some sensitive personal issues that I had been struggling with for many years. Recalling my time with her, I reconnected and asked for her help. Dr Westercamp agreed to accompany me on a very difficult journey. She was the same caring, supportive and affirming therapist that I remembered. But I found that she was also gently challenging, determined to lovingly help me become the best me that I could possibly be.”
— Client