Grief counseling

Grief isn't a problem to be fixed. It's what love does when someone, or something, is gone. You don't have to carry it alone, and you don't have to hurry through it.

Schedule online GriefShare group

What grief can feel like

Grief shows up in more ways than tears. Tap anything that sounds like you.

Tap anything that sounds like you.

This isn't a test, and it can't tell you what's going on. It's a way to notice. Nothing is saved or sent.

Grief is supposed to hurt

Unpleasant feelings help us process loss. Not grieving a real loss wouldn't make you strong. It would make you less human. The pain is a measure of what mattered.

“He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”

Isaiah 53:3 (ESV)

Even Jesus grieved. Faith doesn't exempt anyone from it.

How grief gets stuck

Grief rarely gets stuck because of the sadness itself. It gets stuck when we try to get rid of the sadness as fast as possible. Most of us try three moves without noticing.

  1. Move one

    Suppress it

    Act like it isn't there.

    • Stay busy, put it off until tomorrow
    • “I'm fine”
    • “At least they're not suffering anymore”
    • Numb it with work, screens or a drink

  2. Move two

    Struggle with it

    Fight it into submission.

    • Force a positive face for everyone else
    • Believe that if your faith were stronger, it wouldn't hurt this much

  3. Move three

    Surrender to it

    Give up on life after.

    • “I'll never be okay again”
    • Withdraw from everyone
    • Let despair settle in

The way through grief is through it: turning toward the loss, naming what you feel, and letting people walk with you.

When a wave hits

Grief comes in waves, often when you least expect them: a song, a smell, an empty chair. When one comes, pause. Breathe slowly. Then name what you feel, as specifically as you can: sad, lonely, angry, guilty, relieved, lost. Naming a feeling takes some of its power away.

  • Sad
  • Lonely
  • Angry
  • Guilty
  • Relieved
  • Lost
  • Afraid
  • Numb
  • Grateful
Ready when you are

Don't grieve alone

When you're hurting, pulling away feels natural. But a good community is where your stories are told, your tears are shed, and your weaknesses are shown. That's exactly what grief needs.

GriefShare

For anyone who has experienced a loss or the death of a loved one. Wednesdays, 6:15 to 7:45 PM, hosted with Warren Church. Registration required.

GriefShare: details and registration

One-on-one

For losses that feel too complicated or too private for a group, or for grief that has settled into depression.

Schedule online

How the Hope Method helps with grief

Every provider here works from the same method. Here's how it meets loss.

Schedule online How the Hope Method works

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (ESV)

Where faith fits

Grief often brings hard questions about God. You can bring those into the room. We don't have every answer, and we won't pretend to.

If you'd like prayer or scripture in your sessions, ask. If you wouldn't, it won't come up.

What "spiritually informed" means

Getting started

The practical details, and the questions people ask most.

Cost
$75For 50 minutes, paid at the appointment. The same for individuals, couples and families.
Insurance
Not acceptedNo superbills. Cash, check, card, and HSA or FSA cards all work.
Where
In person or telehealth3231 Washington Rd., or from home for most concerns.
Getting in
Usually this weekWe try to see people the week they reach out.
How long does grief last?

There's no deadline. Grief changes shape over time rather than ending on schedule. If it has settled into depression, or you can't function, it's a good time to talk with someone.

Do you help children who are grieving?

Yes. We see kids from age 6, and we can point you to local grief camps and groups for children.

Is GriefShare part of Hope?

GriefShare is hosted with Warren Church, and it's open to anyone in the community.

Will faith be part of my sessions?

Only if you want it to be. Our providers share a Christian worldview, and if you'd like prayer or scripture in your sessions, ask and your provider will gladly include it. If you wouldn't, it won't come up. Everyone is welcome here, whatever they believe.

What happens in the first session?

It's a conversation about what you need, not an intake. Afterwards you decide whether to keep going, with no commitment either way. If you continue, a few forms and some homework come through the client portal.

Can I do this by telehealth?

Yes, for most concerns. You join from the SimplePractice Client Portal app or a web browser.

Start wherever you are

Book a first conversation, or start with GriefShare.

A provider listening closely in his counseling room

Book an appointment

One-on-one or family sessions, in person on Washington Road or by telehealth. Choose “I'm a new client” when you book.

Schedule online Help me choose
Chairs set in a circle in the group room

Join GriefShare

For anyone who has experienced a loss or the death of a loved one. Wednesdays, 6:15 to 7:45 PM, hosted with Warren Church. Registration required.

Details and registration All support groups

Still unsure? Call the office at 762.328.4673.