Grief Counseling Colorado Springs

Grief Counseling Colorado Springs

Grief therapy, also known as bereavement counseling or grief counseling, is a specialized form of therapy aimed at helping individuals cope with the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical distress that accompanies the loss of a loved one or any significant life change. Grief is a natural response to loss, but the intensity and duration of grief can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may experience acute grief that gradually diminishes over time, while others may struggle with chronic or complicated grief that requires professional intervention. There are a number of strategies that we at Polaris can use to put you on the healing path. We will use the best plan of action and therapy that is based on your individual needs, goals, and with the understanding of who you are.

grief counseling Colorado Springs

Examples of Grief & Counseling Offered

Complicated Grief

Complicated grief, also known as prolonged grief disorder (PGD) or persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD), is a distinct and severe form of grief characterized by intense and prolonged symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning and well-being. While grief is a natural response to loss, the experience of complicated grief is marked by a persistent inability to come to terms with the loss and adapt to life without the deceased.

Several key features differentiate complicated grief from normal grief:

Intensity and Duration: The intensity of emotions associated with complicated grief often remains intense and unrelenting over an extended period, typically lasting beyond what is considered a normal grieving process.

Preoccupation with the Deceased: Those experiencing complicated grief often become excessively preoccupied with thoughts and memories of the deceased. 

Avoidance Behaviors: While individuals with uncomplicated grief gradually integrate the loss into their lives, those with complicated grief may engage in avoidance behaviors to escape the pain of the loss. 

Functional Impairment: Complicated grief can significantly impair an individual’s ability to function in various domains of life, including work, relationships, and self-care. 

Persistent Yearning and Searching: Individuals with complicated grief may experience persistent yearning and searching for the deceased, longing for their presence or wishing for things to return to how they were before the loss. 

Identity Disturbance: Complicated grief can also result in a profound sense of identity disturbance, as individuals struggle to redefine themselves in the absence of the deceased. They may feel as though a part of themselves has died with their loved one, leading to feelings of emptiness or a loss of purpose.

It’s essential to note that complicated grief is not merely an exaggerated form of normal grief but represents a distinct clinical syndrome that may require specialized intervention. Complicated grief can have serious implications for an individual’s mental and physical health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and even suicidal ideation.

Treatment for complicated grief often involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support from loved ones. Complicated grief therapy (CGT), a specialized form of psychotherapy, focuses on helping individuals process the loss, confront unresolved emotions, and gradually adapt to life without the deceased. Additionally, medications such as antidepressants may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with complicated grief.

Traumatic Grief

Traumatic grief, also known as traumatic bereavement or complicated grief, occurs when a person experiences the death of a loved one in a sudden, unexpected, or violent manner. This type of grief combines the features of both grief and trauma, resulting in a complex and often overwhelming emotional response. 

Key characteristics of traumatic grief include:

Intense Emotional Reactions: Individuals experiencing traumatic grief often exhibit intense emotional reactions, including profound sadness, shock, disbelief, anger, guilt, and fear that are more intense and persistent than those experienced in typical grief reactions.

Intrusive Thoughts and Memories: Traumatic grief is often accompanied by intrusive thoughts, memories, or flashbacks related to the traumatic event or the circumstances of the death. 

Avoidance Behaviors: In an effort to cope with the overwhelming emotions and distress associated with traumatic grief, individuals may engage in avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding reminders of the deceased or the traumatic event, withdrawing from social activities, or isolating themselves from others.

Physical Symptoms: Traumatic grief can also manifest in physical symptoms, such as insomnia, fatigue, appetite disturbances, headaches, and other somatic complaints.

Impaired Coping Skills: Individuals experiencing traumatic grief may struggle to find meaning in the loss, experience feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, and have difficulty engaging in activities they once enjoyed.

Risk of Complications: Traumatic grief increases the risk of developing complications such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.

Treatment for traumatic grief typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support from loved ones. Trauma-focused therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), may be beneficial in addressing the traumatic aspects of the loss and reducing distressing symptoms. Additionally, support groups, peer support, and grief counseling can provide validation, empathy, and practical coping strategies for individuals struggling with traumatic grief.

Disenfranchised Grief

Disenfranchised grief refers to a type of grief that is not openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly mourned. It occurs when an individual experiences a significant loss that is not recognized or supported by society, often due to the nature of the relationship with the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the loss. This type of grief can be particularly challenging because it may leave individuals feeling marginalized, misunderstood, or invalidated in their grief experience.

There are several common scenarios in which disenfranchised grief may occur:

Non-Traditional Relationships: Grief associated with the loss of a non-traditional or stigmatized relationship, such as the death of a pet, an ex-spouse, a friend, or a romantic partner outside of marriage, may be disenfranchised. Despite the profound emotional bond with the deceased, individuals may encounter societal norms or expectations that minimize or dismiss their grief.

Stigmatized Losses: Grief related to stigmatized deaths, such as deaths by suicide, drug overdose, homicide, or HIV/AIDS-related illnesses, may be disenfranchised due to societal taboos, judgment, or stigma surrounding these circumstances.

Ambiguous Loss: Ambiguous loss occurs when a person experiences a loss that is not clearly defined or acknowledged, such as when a loved one goes missing, is declared missing in action, or experiences a significant decline in cognitive or physical functioning due to conditions like dementia or severe mental illness. Uncertainty or ambiguity about the status of the deceased, making it difficult for individuals to grieve openly or find closure.

Socially Marginalized Groups: Grief experienced by individuals from socially marginalized or minority groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, refugees, incarcerated individuals, or individuals experiencing homelessness, may be disenfranchised due to systemic inequalities, discrimination, or lack of access to culturally competent support services. These individuals may face additional barriers to openly expressing or validating their grief within their communities or broader society.

Miscarriage or Stillbirth: Grief associated with pregnancy loss, miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death may be disenfranchised due to societal attitudes, cultural taboos, or a lack of recognition of the profound emotional impact of these losses on parents and families. Individuals may feel silenced or invalidated in their grief by well-meaning but insensitive comments or societal expectations to “move on” quickly.

Disenfranchised grief can have significant psychological, emotional, and social consequences for individuals, including feelings of isolation, shame, guilt, and unresolved grief.

Living Grief

Living grief, also known as anticipatory grief or anticipatory mourning, refers to the experience of grieving for a loss before it actually occurs. Unlike traditional grief, which occurs after a death has occurred, living grief occurs in response to the anticipation of an impending loss, typically due to a terminal illness, a life-limiting condition, or a significant life change.

Living grief can manifest in various ways and may involve a range of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Some common characteristics of living grief include:

Anticipatory Anxiety: Individuals experiencing living grief may feel anxious or apprehensive about the impending loss and the uncertainties associated with it. They may worry about how they will cope with the loss, how their lives will change, or how they will support their loved ones through the process.

Sadness and Depression: Living grief often involves feelings of sadness, depression, or despair as individuals grapple with the impending loss of a loved one or the loss of their own health and well-being. They may mourn the loss of future plans, dreams, or expectations and struggle with feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.

Ambivalence and Conflicting Emotions: Living grief can evoke a complex mix of emotions, including love, guilt, anger, resentment, relief, and guilt. Individuals may feel conflicted about their emotions and may experience guilt or shame for feeling relief or anticipation of the end of suffering.

Preoccupation with the Future: Individuals experiencing living grief may find themselves preoccupied with thoughts and concerns about the future and how their lives will be impacted by the impending loss. They may engage in obsessive thinking about what lies ahead and how they will navigate the challenges of grief and bereavement.

Loss of Identity and Roles: Living grief can also involve a sense of loss of identity and roles as individuals anticipate changes in their relationships, responsibilities, and sense of self.

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PWG is passionate and committed to helping all clients. We offer a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment to culturally diverse and LGBTQIA+ clients. We are dedicated to providing culturally competent, quality wellness services with providers who are supportive, aligned, and accepting.