Grief Counseling

Coping with Loss: Understanding Grief and Finding Support

Loss is an inevitable part of life, yet it can feel overwhelming, isolating, and deeply painful. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, ended a meaningful relationship, been let go from a job, or said goodbye to a beloved pet, grief can take many forms—each carrying its own emotional weight.

Some common types of loss include:

Death of a loved one – Whether sudden or expected, the loss of family, friends, or a partner can be devastating.
Ambiguous loss – Grieving someone who is physically present but emotionally or cognitively absent (e.g., dementia, estrangement).
Relationship loss – The end of a romantic relationship, friendship, or divorce.
Job loss or career changes – Losing a job you valued or experiencing career uncertainty.
Loss of a pet – The passing of a cherished animal companion, often a deep and personal loss.
Major life transitions – Moving, retirement, or other significant changes that create a sense of loss.

Understanding Grief: A Unique Journey

Grief is not linear and doesn’t follow a set timeline. It can involve a range of emotions, including:

Sadness, emptiness, or loneliness
Guilt or regret over unresolved feelings
Anger at circumstances, others, or even yourself
Anxiety or fear about the future
Numbness or difficulty connecting with emotions

While some people openly express their grief, others may grieve more privately. Neither approach is wrong—everyone processes loss in their own way.

How Therapy Can Help You Navigate Grief

While grief is natural, navigating it alone can feel overwhelming. Therapy provides:

A safe space to process emotions without judgment.
Support in understanding grief reactions and how they impact daily life.
Healthy coping strategies to manage emotional pain.
Guidance through complex or prolonged grief that feels difficult to overcome.

Genesis Counseling Offers Support When You Need It Most

Grief is a deeply personal journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our compassionate therapists at Genesis Counseling are here to help. We provide:

In-person grief counseling in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Coral Springs, and Pompano Beach.
Virtual therapy options available across Florida for flexible scheduling.
Appointments starting as early as 8 AM, with immediate daytime availability.

Symptoms of Grief

Grief is a deeply personal and often unpredictable experience. It does not follow a linear path, nor is there a “right” way to grieve. Instead, grief is a journey—one that unfolds uniquely for each individual. Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or another significant change, understanding the different models of grief can provide insight and validation for your emotions. Grief affects individuals in different ways, impacting emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and even physical health. While grief is a natural response to loss, it can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. Here are some common symptoms that may arise during the grieving process:

Emotional Symptoms

Profound sadness – Intense feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or sorrow.
Guilt or regret – Wishing you had done or said something differently.
Anger or resentment – Directed at oneself, others, or even the person or thing lost.
Anxiety or fear – Worry about the future, instability, or facing life without the loss.
Shock or numbness – Feeling disconnected or unable to process emotions.
Irritability or frustration – Difficulty managing emotions, feeling easily overwhelmed.
Relief or peace – Especially in cases of prolonged illness or difficult relationships.

Cognitive Symptoms (Thought Patterns)

Difficulty concentrating – Trouble focusing on work, school, or daily tasks.
Forgetfulness or confusion – Feeling disoriented, distracted, or mentally foggy.
Intrusive thoughts – Constantly thinking about the loss or reliving memories.
Sense of unreality – Feeling like life has changed so much that it’s hard to recognize.

Behavioral Symptoms

Withdrawal from social activities – Avoiding friends, family, or social gatherings.
Increased isolation – Feeling disconnected or not wanting to talk about the loss.
Changes in routines – Struggling with motivation or daily responsibilities.
Restlessness or overactivity – Feeling the need to stay busy to avoid emotions.
Avoidance – Steering clear of places, conversations, or reminders of the loss.
Seeking reminders – Holding onto personal items, rereading messages, or visiting places associated with the loss.

Physical Symptoms

Fatigue or exhaustion – Feeling drained despite normal sleep.
Changes in appetite – Eating too much or too little.
Sleep disturbances – Insomnia, nightmares, or oversleeping.
Aches and pains – Headaches, stomach issues, or muscle tension.
Weakened immune system – Increased susceptibility to illness.

Complicated or Prolonged Grief

For some, grief becomes prolonged and significantly impacts daily life. Signs of complicated grief may include:

Intense yearning for the lost person or thing for more than a year
Persistent feelings of guilt, blame, or self-anger
Inability to function in work, school, or personal life
Severe depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts

If grief feels unbearable or is interfering with daily life, therapy can provide the tools and support to help you heal.

The 5 Stages of Grief (Kübler-Ross Model)

One of the most well-known frameworks for understanding grief is the five stages of grief, introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in 1969. These stages describe common emotional responses to loss, though not everyone experiences them in order—or at all.

Denial – Feeling numb, in shock, or unable to accept the loss.
Anger – Frustration, resentment, or questioning “why” this happened.
Bargaining – Attempting to regain control, making “if only” statements.
Depression – Deep sadness, loneliness, or feelings of hopelessness.
Acceptance – Acknowledging the reality of the loss and beginning to adjust.

While these stages can be helpful for understanding grief, grieving is not a checklist—people may move back and forth between stages or experience them in different ways.

🔹 Continuing Bonds Theory
This perspective suggests that grief does not mean “letting go,” but rather maintaining a meaningful connection with the loss in a way that allows for healing.

The 5 Stages of Grief (Kübler-Ross Model)

One of the most well-known frameworks for understanding grief is the five stages of grief, introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in 1969. These stages describe common emotional responses to loss, though not everyone experiences them in order—or at all.

1️⃣ Denial – Feeling numb, in shock, or unable to accept the loss.
2️⃣ Anger – Frustration, resentment, or questioning “why” this happened.
3️⃣ Bargaining – Attempting to regain control, making “if only” statements.
4️⃣ Depression – Deep sadness, loneliness, or feelings of hopelessness.
5️⃣ Acceptance – Acknowledging the reality of the loss and beginning to adjust.

While these stages can be helpful for understanding grief, grieving is not a checklist—people may move back and forth between stages or experience them in different ways.

There’s No Right or Wrong Way to Grieve

Grief is complex and deeply personal. It may come in waves, resurface unexpectedly, or take on different forms over time. Therapy can help you understand your grief, develop coping strategies, and find a path forward that honors your loss while allowing you to heal.

How Therapy Helps with Grief: What to Expect in Counseling

Grief can feel overwhelming, isolating, and even impossible to navigate alone. Therapy provides a safe, compassionate space to process loss, understand emotions, and develop coping strategies. Whether you’re struggling with the death of a loved one, a relationship breakup, job loss, or another significant change, therapy can help you move through grief in a way that honors your experience while allowing for healing.

How Therapy Helps with Grief

Provides a Safe Space to Express Emotions
Many people feel pressure to “move on” quickly or suppress their grief.
Therapy allows you to openly share your feelings without judgment, whether that includes sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion.
Helps You Understand Your Grief Process

Grief is not one-size-fits-all. Therapy helps you understand your unique grieving style, whether it’s emotional, cognitive, or behavioral.
A therapist can guide you through different grief models to help normalize your experience.
Teaches Coping Strategies for Overwhelming Emotions

Learn healthy ways to process pain without avoidance or unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Techniques may include mindfulness, journaling, guided imagery, or relaxation exercises to help regulate emotions.
Helps Navigate Life Changes and Adjustments

Loss often brings major life adjustments—living without a loved one, redefining identity, or rebuilding after job or relationship loss.
Therapy can help you adjust to new routines, rebuild confidence, and regain a sense of purpose.
Supports Meaning-Making and Finding Purpose After Loss

Therapy helps individuals explore ways to honor their loss while continuing to live meaningfully.
This may include continuing bonds, creating new traditions, or finding ways to integrate memories in a healing way.
Assists in Healing Complicated or Prolonged Grief

If grief feels unbearable, stuck, or overwhelming for an extended period, therapy can provide structured support for complicated grief or grief-related depression.
Therapists use techniques like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR to help process unresolved grief.

What Happens in Grief Therapy?

First Session:
- Your therapist will learn about your loss, how it has impacted you, and your emotional responses.
- You’ll discuss your grief journey, coping strategies, and support system.
Ongoing Sessions:
- You’ll explore emotions, memories, and unresolved feelings.
- Your therapist will guide you through techniques to help process pain in a healthy way.
- Sessions may include narrative therapy, mindfulness exercises, or grief-focused activities.
Final Stages:
- Therapy doesn’t mean “getting over” grief but learning to carry it in a way that allows for healing and growth.
- You’ll develop tools to honor your loss while embracing life’s next steps.

You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone

At Genesis Counseling, we provide individualized grief therapy for those struggling with loss of a loved one, ambiguous loss, relationship changes, career transitions, and pet loss.

✔ In-person therapy in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Coral Springs, and Pompano Beach
✔ Virtual sessions available throughout Florida
✔ Appointments starting as early as 8 AM, with immediate availability

Reach out today—healing begins with support.

Book An Appointment For Grief Counseling

To begin your journey towards healing from grief and loss, please reach out to us through our contact form or by calling 561-408-1098. We provide both telehealth and in-person therapy sessions tailored to suit your individual needs.

Grief Counseling

Coping with Loss: Understanding Grief and Finding Support

Loss is an inevitable part of life, yet it can feel overwhelming, isolating, and deeply painful. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, ended a meaningful relationship, been let go from a job, or said goodbye to a beloved pet, grief can take many forms—each carrying its own emotional weight.

Some common types of loss include:

Death of a loved one – Whether sudden or expected, the loss of family, friends, or a partner can be devastating.

Ambiguous loss – Grieving someone who is physically present but emotionally or cognitively absent (e.g., dementia, estrangement).

Relationship loss – The end of a romantic relationship, friendship, or divorce.

Job loss or career changes – Losing a job you valued or experiencing career uncertainty.

Loss of a pet – The passing of a cherished animal companion, often a deep and personal loss.

Major life transitions – Moving, retirement, or other significant changes that create a sense of loss.

Understanding Grief: A Unique Journey

Grief is not linear and doesn’t follow a set timeline. It can involve a range of emotions, including:

Sadness, emptiness, or loneliness

Guilt or regret over unresolved feelings

Anger at circumstances, others, or even yourself

Anxiety or fear about the future

Numbness or difficulty connecting with emotions

While some people openly express their grief, others may grieve more privately. Neither approach is wrong—everyone processes loss in their own way.

How Therapy Can Help You Navigate Grief

While grief is natural, navigating it alone can feel overwhelming. Therapy provides:

A safe space to process emotions without judgment.

Support in understanding grief reactions and how they impact daily life.

Healthy coping strategies to manage emotional pain.

Guidance through complex or prolonged grief that feels difficult to overcome.

Genesis Counseling Offers Support When You Need It Most

Grief is a deeply personal journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our compassionate therapists at Genesis Counseling are here to help. We provide:

In-person grief counseling in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Coral Springs, and Pompano Beach.

Virtual therapy options available across Florida for flexible scheduling.

Appointments starting as early as 8 AM, with immediate daytime availability.

Symptoms of Grief

Emotional Symptoms

Profound sadness – Intense feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or sorrow.

Guilt or regret – Wishing you had done or said something differently.

Anger or resentment – Directed at oneself, others, or even the person or thing lost.

Anxiety or fear – Worry about the future, instability, or facing life without the loss.

Shock or numbness – Feeling disconnected or unable to process emotions.

Irritability or frustration – Difficulty managing emotions, feeling easily overwhelmed.

Relief or peace – Especially in cases of prolonged illness or difficult relationships.

Cognitive Symptoms (Thought Patterns)

Difficulty concentrating – Trouble focusing on work, school, or daily tasks.

Forgetfulness or confusion – Feeling disoriented, distracted, or mentally foggy.

Intrusive thoughts – Constantly thinking about the loss or reliving memories.

Sense of unreality – Feeling like life has changed so much that it’s hard to recognize.

Behavioral Symptoms

Withdrawal from social activities – Avoiding friends, family, or social gatherings.

Increased isolation – Feeling disconnected or not wanting to talk about the loss.

Changes in routines – Struggling with motivation or daily responsibilities.

Restlessness or overactivity – Feeling the need to stay busy to avoid emotions.

Avoidance – Steering clear of places, conversations, or reminders of the loss.

Seeking reminders – Holding onto personal items, rereading messages, or visiting places associated with the loss.

Physical Symptoms

Fatigue or exhaustion – Feeling drained despite normal sleep.

Changes in appetite – Eating too much or too little.

Sleep disturbances – Insomnia, nightmares, or oversleeping.

Aches and pains – Headaches, stomach issues, or muscle tension.

Weakened immune system – Increased susceptibility to illness.

Complicated or Prolonged Grief

If grief feels unbearable or is interfering with daily life, therapy can provide the tools and support to help you heal.

The 5 Stages of Grief (Kübler-Ross Model)

One of the most well-known frameworks for understanding grief is the five stages of grief, introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in 1969. These stages describe common emotional responses to loss, though not everyone experiences them in order—or at all.

While these stages can be helpful for understanding grief, grieving is not a checklist—people may move back and forth between stages or experience them in different ways.

🔹 Continuing Bonds TheoryThis perspective suggests that grief does not mean “letting go,” but rather maintaining a meaningful connection with the loss in a way that allows for healing.

The 5 Stages of Grief (Kübler-Ross Model)

There’s No Right or Wrong Way to Grieve

Grief is complex and deeply personal. It may come in waves, resurface unexpectedly, or take on different forms over time. Therapy can help you understand your grief, develop coping strategies, and find a path forward that honors your loss while allowing you to heal.

How Therapy Helps with Grief: What to Expect in Counseling

How Therapy Helps with Grief

Provides a Safe Space to Express Emotions

Many people feel pressure to “move on” quickly or suppress their grief.

Therapy allows you to openly share your feelings without judgment, whether that includes sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion.

Helps You Understand Your Grief Process

Grief is not one-size-fits-all. Therapy helps you understand your unique grieving style, whether it’s emotional, cognitive, or behavioral.

A therapist can guide you through different grief models to help normalize your experience.

Teaches Coping Strategies for Overwhelming Emotions

Learn healthy ways to process pain without avoidance or unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Techniques may include mindfulness, journaling, guided imagery, or relaxation exercises to help regulate emotions.

Helps Navigate Life Changes and Adjustments

Loss often brings major life adjustments—living without a loved one, redefining identity, or rebuilding after job or relationship loss.

Therapy can help you adjust to new routines, rebuild confidence, and regain a sense of purpose.

Supports Meaning-Making and Finding Purpose After Loss

🔹 Continuing Bonds Theory
This perspective suggests that grief does not mean “letting go,” but rather maintaining a meaningful connection with the loss in a way that allows for healing.

✔ In-person therapy in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Coral Springs, and Pompano Beach
✔ Virtual sessions available throughout Florida
✔ Appointments starting as early as 8 AM, with immediate availability