Therapy and Treatments for Grief and Loss

At Vantage Point Recovery we offer expert therapy and treatment for grief and loss. Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences and coping with grief can be extremely difficult. We understand the complexities of grief and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Our compassionate team of professionals specializes in providing therapy and treatment tailored to your unique needs. We offer a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your feelings, process your grief, and learn healthy coping mechanisms.

Through our comprehensive approach to therapy for grief and loss, we aim to help you navigate the grieving process and find healing and peace. We are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need to cope with recent loss or unresolved grief from the past.

Understanding Grief:

Grief is a natural response to loss, but when left unresolved, it can significantly impact mental health. Our experts provide insights into the stages of grief, common reactions, and the importance of addressing unresolved grief to promote healing.

Loss is an inherent part of human existence. While grief is commonly associated with significant life events such as death, divorce, or financial loss, it can also arise from smaller, less conspicuous losses.

Despite adversity or mental health challenges, individuals often display remarkable resilience. With the support of a caring family and close friends, many can manage their conditions naturally. However, the emotional barriers we construct may falter following the loss of a loved one or other significant life setbacks, like a breakup or job loss.

There may also be ambiguous loss when someone is still present emotionally but physically absent, for example, when there is no formal closure, such as the loss of a family member, an affair, or a hidden relationship.

Regardless of the cause, grieving can take many forms and look different for each individual. As each person experiences loss differently, it is sometimes helpful for individuals, couples, or families to receive additional support to work through these complex emotions. Different people will respond to loss physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Feelings You Might be Experiencing

Experiencing loss is a natural part of life – and most people can survive loss on their own, overcome the painful grieving process, and move on to the next chapter of their lives with a renewed, fresh outlook, and perhaps some hope for the future. No one can escape grief, and trying to prevent it only prolongs the process. We all must grieve, in our way – not everyone has to cry or express themselves in a certain way to showcase their grief, but every instance of grief is highlighted by deep, powerful sorrow.

But not everyone grieves normally. At a certain point, the grieving process ends – it’s different for everyone, but there comes a natural period where we bounce back, determined and ready for life. But for many people with predisposed or existing mental illnesses, grief and loss can be that final blow needed to send someone down a spiral of emotional disasters, and behavioral ills.

Symptoms of Grief and Loss:

Intense Sadness: This is usually accompanied by feelings of profound sorrow and despair that might be accompanied by tears and emotional pain.

• Shock and Disbelief: A person may initially experience shock or disbelief after learning of the loss.
• Anger and Irritability: Anger can be directed at oneself, others, or even the deceased when one is grieving. There may be feelings of frustration, irritability, and resentment.
• Guilt and Regret: People may feel guilt or regret over unresolved issues, unspoken words, or past actions relating to the deceased.
• Anxiety and Fear: Loss can disrupt those’s sense of security and stability, which can lead to anxiety or fear.
• Loneliness and Isolation: The absence of the deceased can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, even in the presence of others.
• Physical Symptoms: Grief can manifest physically as fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, headaches, or body aches.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Many individuals find it challenging to concentrate or focus on tasks, experiencing cognitive fog or mental confusion.
• Numbness: Some people feel emotionally numb, disconnected from their surroundings, or unable to experience joy or pleasure.
• Yearning and Longing: Grief is often associated with a deep sense of longing for the deceased and a desire to be reunited with him or her.

Symptoms and duration of grief can vary widely, with some individuals experiencing more severe symptoms. It starts with the loss of a loved one, and an overwhelming sense of sadness, and can evolve into periods of intense depression, maladaptive coping mechanisms (addiction), and destructive behavior. Vantage Point Recovery offers professional assistance to help overcome the grief at a very early stage when the symptoms are just beginning to appear.

How do Grief and Loss Progress?

Those dealing with significant loss often use the five stages of grief as a framework for coping. Individuals progress through these stages in different ways, with some experiencing prolonged periods of grief for years. At different phases of life, these stages may resurface.

As outlined by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, grief and loss occur in the following stages:

• Denial: Individuals may refuse to believe or accept the loss of reality. When experiencing overwhelming emotions, they may deny the loss has occurred or minimize its significance.
• Anger: The reality of the loss can cause intense feelings of anger and resentment. One may express this anger as irritability, frustration, or even bitterness towards oneself or others.
• Bargaining: In this stage, people try to negotiate with a higher power or postpone or reverse the loss. The hope is to avoid loss entirely by making promises or bargains.
• Depression: When a loss hits hard, a person may feel despair, hopelessness, and sadness. In this stage, withdrawal, isolation, and strong emotional pain are common.
• Acceptance: In the final stage of grief, individuals accept their losses and find peace and comfort in their loss. Even though the pain may never completely go away, they can integrate the loss into their lives and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

Although these stages might serve as a general guideline, you may return to certain stages throughout your grieving process since they are not always linear. Do not forget that grieving is a long and difficult process, so be patient with yourself. By seeking professional assistance from Vantage Point Recovery, you can prevent the progression of unresolved grief and potential complications such as prolonged depression and anxiety.

Therapy for Grief and Loss by Vantage Point Recovery

Our team at Vantage Point Recovery understands how grief and loss can affect mental health and well-being. We offer specialized treatment for grief and loss. This is designed to provide compassionate support and effective interventions for individuals navigating the complexities of loss.

• Our Approach: Vantage Point offers a customized approach to grief and loss treatment, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our experienced therapists utilize evidence-based techniques and compassionate guidance to help clients process their grief and move toward healing.
• Therapies We Offer: Grief Counseling: We offer a safe and supportive space for people to explore their grieving constructively and healthily.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):Our CBT techniques promote healthy coping strategies by identifying and challenging negative thoughts associated with grief.
• Mindfulness Practices: We encourage clients to develop present-moment awareness and self-compassion, and help them achieve emotional healing.
• Support Groups: We offer group therapy sessions where individuals can connect with others who have experienced similar losses, providing mutual support and understanding.
• Supporting Activities: We also provide other activities like journaling, art therapy, and physical activities such as running, weight lifting, walking, yoga, or Tai Chi. Engaging individuals in healthy activities provides them with a sense of accomplishment.

Benefits of Grief and Loss Therapy at Vantage Point Recovery:

• We provide safe and supportive environments that allow people to process and express their emotions.
• Our therapist helps individuals in developing coping skills to manage the challenges of grief and loss.
• With our guidance, you will gain a better understanding of the grieving process, which will give you greater comfort and insight.
• We help you establish relationships with others who have experienced similar things to foster belonging.
• We work closely with you to help you to regain hope and resilience to face the challenges ahead.

Grieving and Losing a Loved One? Let Us Help You!

Whether you’re coping with the loss of a loved one, a significant life change, or an ambiguous loss, our therapy for grief and loss can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate through your grief journey.

Don’t face grief alone. Let Vantage Point Recovery be your partner on the journey toward healing. Contact us today to learn more about our therapy services and take the first step toward healing.