Untangled Counseling

Bargaining is the next stage for grieving a loss. What does that mean exactly?

We're all familiar with sales - it's a discount, a price reduction. When we are in the bargaining stage of grief, we may feel like we have fully accepted but we are only halfway there. Often, this is when we tend to MINIMIZE or DOWNPLAY the effects of the loss, so no longer in denial, but not in full acceptance yet.

THIS IS WHERE MOST OF US GET STUCK!

If we camp out here, we will still have underlying sadness, depression, anger or anxiety because the grief is still unresolved. The only way out is through...

Once you step out of denial, then what? Denial only opens up the pain our brain was trying to protect us from.

There is a way to climb out of the spiral of self-deception and work through the pain. What is that process called?

Grieving...

Might sound strange but grieving is a useful tool not only in times when we lose a loved one, but to also get past hurts and disappointments we haven't wanted to face.

Leaning into grief - which may feel like we are sinking down - actually helps us get to the top - to acceptance.

Stay tuned for more about the healing process of grief...

Accepting reality is such a powerful tool.

That's why the recovery programs use it as a basis for getting better.

Denying facts keeps us from truly having optimal mental health because it involves deceiving others and even ourselves. Somewhere in our bodies, the truth is already there, waiting to be given the opportunity to shine in order for us to fully heal.

What is keeping you in denial?