ONLINE THERAPY FOR VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND SURROUNDING AREAS
1900 Campus Commons Dr Ste 100 Reston, VA 20191 I 201 Prospect Ave Hagerstown, MD 21724 I (301) 800-8696
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WE HAVE IMMEDIATE ONLINE THERAPY OPENINGS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN RESTON, VA AND SURROUNDING AREAS
WE HAVE IMMEDIATE IN PERSON THERAPY OPENINGS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN HAGERSTOWN, MD AND SURROUNDING AREAS
DO YOU FEEL STUCK SINCE
THE LOSS?
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Do you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts or memories of the person who passed away?
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Have you experienced intense feelings of longing or yearning for the person who is no longer here?
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Do you feel a deep sense of emptiness or hollowness since the loss?
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Have you noticed changes in your ability to function at work, school, or in your daily activities since the loss?
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Do you feel as though life has lost its meaning or purpose since the person passed away?
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Have you experienced persistent feelings of sadness, despair, or hopelessness since the loss?
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Do you struggle to accept the reality of the person's death, feeling as though they might still be alive?
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Have you experienced difficulty forming new relationships or maintaining existing ones since the loss?
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Do you find yourself withdrawing from social activities or avoiding reminders of the person who passed away?
WHAT DOES GRIEF FEEL LIKE?
Grief is a natural and complex response to loss, encompassing a range of emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations. Whether it's the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or another type of major life change, grief can deeply impact every aspect of our being. It's not just about sadness; grief can bring forth feelings of shock, anger, guilt, and confusion. It's a deeply personal journey, and no two experiences are exactly alike. Sometimes, grief can feel overwhelming and unmanageable, leading to prolonged suffering and difficulty in moving forward.
EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
Grief often manifests through a range of emotional symptoms, including intense sadness, anguish, and profound longing for the person who has passed away. Individuals may also experience feelings of guilt, anger, or numbness as they grapple with the reality of their loss. Emotional symptoms of grief can fluctuate over time, sometimes overwhelming individuals with waves of intense sorrow or despair. It's essential to acknowledge and validate these emotions as a natural part of the grieving process, and seeking support can provide comfort and assistance in navigating through them.
COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS
Grief often brings about cognitive symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased. Individuals may also experience confusion or a sense of disbelief as they struggle to come to terms with the loss. These cognitive symptoms can disrupt daily functioning and make it challenging to focus on tasks or make decisions. Seeking support and understanding during this time can help individuals navigate through these cognitive challenges and find moments of clarity amidst the grief.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Physiological symptoms of depressive disorders can manifest through disruptions in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping, as well as changes in appetite or weight. Individuals may also experience fatigue, low energy levels, and physical aches and pains without a clear medical cause. Additionally, depressive disorders can affect libido and sexual function. These physiological symptoms often contribute to the overall burden of depression and can impact daily functioning and quality of life.
BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS
Grief often manifests in behavioral and relational symptoms, such as social withdrawal, irritability, and difficulty engaging in daily activities. Individuals may also experience changes in their relationships, feeling distant from loved ones or seeking comfort in solitude. These symptoms can impact communication and interpersonal dynamics, leading to feelings of isolation or strain in relationships. Seeking support from loved ones and professionals can provide validation and understanding during this challenging time, fostering connection and healing.
TYPES OF GRIEF
Grief is a natural response to the loss of a loved one or significant life change. It involves a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, and longing, as well as physical and behavioral symptoms. While grief can be intense and painful, it tends to lessen over time as individuals adjust to their loss and find ways to cope. Therapy for normal grief provides a supportive environment to explore and process emotions, develop coping strategies, and find meaning in the grieving process. By seeking grief counseling, individuals can receive guidance and support as they navigate through their grief and work towards healing and acceptance.
Complicated Bereavement, also known as complicated grief or persistent complex bereavement disorder, is a condition characterized by intense and prolonged feelings of grief and mourning following the death of a loved one. Unlike normal grief, which tends to lessen over time, complicated bereavement can persist and interfere with daily functioning, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and difficulty in moving forward. Grief counseling for complicated bereavement provides a safe and supportive space to process emotions, explore coping strategies, and find meaning in the midst of loss. By addressing the unique challenges of complicated bereavement, grief counseling can help individuals navigate through their grief and work towards healing and resilience.
It is important to note that the nuances of life are not always captured in a simple diagnosis. Only trained grief counselors who have completed a comprehensive evaluation with a specific individual can assign a diagnosis. If you are experiencing symptoms of grief, it’s important to seek professional help to receive an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment.
You are not alone.
Experiencing profound loss is a universal human experience, and grief is a natural response to such events. While grief is a normal process, for approximately 10-20% of individuals who experience the death of a loved one, the intensity and duration of their grief can become clinically significant. These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning, affecting various aspects of life including work, relationships, and overall well-being. Seeking professional support and grief counseling can be crucial in navigating through the complexities of clinical grief and finding a path towards healing and resilience.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to see if grief counseling could be helpful for you, please click below. We will join you on your individual journey toward healing.
DON'T LET WORRY GET IN YOUR WAY
I should be able to handle this on my own. While it's great to feel self-reliant, grief can be overwhelming and isolating. A grief counselor can provide the support and tools you might not realize you need, helping you navigate your feelings more effectively.
What if I’m just not ready to face it? It’s completely normal to feel unready. However, grief counseling doesn’t force you to confront everything at once. It allows you to ease into your feelings and discover your readiness in a supportive environment.
I’ve already tried talking to friends and family, but it didn’t help. While friends and family care, they may not have the training to support you through grief effectively. A grief counselor offers specialized skills and can help you explore deeper issues in a way that loved ones might not. Our trained grief counselors specialize in a number of different evidence-based treatment modalities to help you move forward with purpose and resilience.
READY TO LEARN MORE?
HEALING IN THE GROVE
CHECK OUT OUR MOST RECENT BLOG POSTS ON GRIEF COUNSELING
Office Locations
In Person and Online Therapy Sessions Available
201 Prospect Ave
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Online Therapy Sessions Available
1900 Campus Commons Dr Ste 100
Reston, VA 20191