Grief Counseling in Alexandria, VA—Grief Counselors and Therapists
When a close family member or friend passes, the loss can feel absolutely devastating. It might feel like a deep emptiness; it might present itself as intense anger; or it might completely rip you apart. Many people who experience a difficult loss feel as if life will never be the same again—as if they couldn’t possibly continue life without the lost individual. But in reality, they can still live a happy, fulfilled life despite the devastating loss. It just might take the help of a professional.
“The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same. Nor would you want to.” –Elisabeth Kubler-Ross & David Kessler
A skilled, experienced grief counselor or therapist can help people to confront their loss and grieve properly. They have the training and expertise to assist their clients in talking about how this person and the loss of this person has affected their life, sorting through the range of emotions they are likely experiencing, and going on to live happily again.
The grief counselors at Thriveworks Alexandria understand that the loss of a loved one can shake someone to the core and change life as they know it. They also know that people can work through their grief and come out on the other side a happy individual again. If you’re struggling with grief and loss, consider working with one of our providers. They’ll help you manage the harmful symptoms of grief and find happiness again.
What Does Grief Look Like?
While there are different stages of grief, as identified by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, the truth is that grief is highly individual and personal. We might experience emotions like:
- Sadness
- Loneliness
- Guilt or shame
- Anger
- Numbness
- Hopelessness
These emotions are often expressed differently. One individual may withdraw from their loved ones after losing a close friend, while another might cling to them; one individual may quit their job or stop showing up, while another might throw himself into his work to keep his mind occupied.
Whatever the case may be, a grief counselor at Thriveworks Alexandria can help. They will assess your specific presentation of grief and assist you based on your needs.
The Negative Effects of Grief and Loss
Grief can become unhealthy, especially if the individual lets their grief fester without confronting the loss and all of the difficult emotions that come with it. Here are a few results of grief and loss that can prove troubling:
- Shock or denial
- Fear
- Anxiety, panic attacks
- Irrational thinking
- Difficult sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Significant changes in weight
- Obsessive/compulsive thoughts
- Confusion
- Disassociation
The good news is that a grief counselor can step in and make all the difference if you let them. Working with a grief counselor will likely involve talking about your loss, the emotions related to your loss, and determining how you can move forward from it. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go through this alone. You can work with a skilled, experienced mental health professional at Thriveworks Alexandria.
Schedule a Grief Counseling Appointment at Thriveworks Alexandria
The grief counselors at Thriveworks Alexandria are ready to help you find health and happiness again. If you think you might benefit from working with one of our specialists, reach out today. We want to make a meaningful difference in your life.
When you call us to schedule your session, a scheduling specialist will assist you. They’ll help you book a quick, flexible appointment, which includes evening and weekend appointments. Keep in mind that we work with many different insurances as well, to ensure we can help as many people as possible.
Ready to get started? Us too. Give Thriveworks Alexandria a call.
