Grief Counseling in Philadelphia

Understanding Grief and Loss

Grief is not just sadness—it can manifest in many ways, including emotional numbness, anger, guilt, anxiety, or even physical symptoms. Types of grief include:

Grief is a broad topic that includes:

• Bereavement, the grief experienced after the death of a loved one, which can involve feelings of sadness, longing, disbelief, and profound loss.

• Anticipatory Grief that begins before a loss occurs, often experienced by individuals anticipating the death of a terminally ill loved one or preparing for significant life changes.

• Ambiguous Loss, or the grief experienced when the loss is unclear or undefined, such as in cases of missing persons, or situations where the status of the loved one is uncertain. This can also include scenarios where the body is intact, but cognitive or intellectual faculties are impaired such that a loved one is “no longer themselves” (i.e. victims of stroke or Alzheimer’s disease).

• Disenfranchised Grief which is not openly acknowledged or socially validated, such as the loss of a pet, miscarriage, or the end of a non-traditional relationship.

• Complicated Grief that persists and intensifies over time, interfering with daily functioning and preventing the individual from processing and adapting to the loss.

Everyone processes grief differently, and there is no "right" way to grieve. However, when grief becomes persistent and disrupts daily life, therapy can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate the healing process.