Finding Joy Therapy

When conversations turn to , we can freeze for fear of saying the ‘wrong’ thing. These 3 improv techniques can help you stay present, focus on the grieving person, and stay away from ‘fixing’.

🌟yes, and…validates what was said and opens up space for the conversation to unfold.
🌟 active listening focuses on understanding, and lets the grieving person direct the conversation
🌟 using their words to begin your response, indicates you are listening and gives you a moment to decide how to respond.

psychotherapist

First, why talk to a professional about grief? By telling our story over and over, we begin to make sense of what happened. Friends, family, even colleagues can be great supports. They may also be uncomfortable talking about death, or give unhelpful advice. Or, you may feel you don’t want to burden them.

A grief counsellor can provide a safe and supportive place to express your emotions. And to validate that grief is not only an emotional experience – it affects concentration, memory, health, energy, confidence and social functioning.

So, if you decide reach out to a grief counsellor, how will you know if the connection is right for you?

Here are 5 things to consider:
✅ What expertise do they have supporting people in similar situations? This might be an experience of losing a spouse at a young age, or the death of both parents at the same time, or the grief of infertility and infant loss.
✅ What’s your goal – to be heard and feel validated? To trace the history of this relationship to understand why particular feelings are showing up? What else?
✅ Can they help with tools to manage feelings like anger, sadness, and guilt?
✅ What’s the format of sessions? Do you prefer virtual (phone, video), in-person, or group? Will someone (spouse, child, sibling, friend) join you in sessions?
✅ Your grief is unique to you, how will sessions be tailored to your needs?

A major part of the value of counselling is in the relationship, so be sure to schedule a consult with the person, to make sure the connection feels good.

Want to learn more? If you’re looking for grief counselling, I provide a safe, supportive and compassionate space. To learn more and to book a free 20-minute phone consultation:
✨ visit www.findingjoytherapy.ca or
✨ email me: [email protected]

image credit: Dee Boswell-Buck


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