Grief
What is DABDA?
Grief is not linear. There are about 251 possibilities and unpredictable grief trajectories on your healing journey.
It fluctuates and evolves in response to various triggers and experiences on your healing journey.
The emotional intensity of grief can ebb and flow, making it a dynamic and nonlinear process that differs significantly from person to person.
So, what is DABDA? Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance
Amy* lost her husband and is alone now.
The emotional intensity of grief can ebb and flow, making it a dynamic and nonlinear process that differs considerably from person to person.
Amy, a middle-aged woman, recently lost her husband of 30 years to cancer. Overwhelmed by grief and struggling to cope with the loss, she felt lost and alone.
However, through grief therapy, she found solace in sharing her feelings. Having a compassionate therapist who provided validation and support as she navigated her grief was crucial to her journey toward healing.
Amy learned to honor her husband’s memory while finding meaning and purpose in her life moving forward.
James* lost his best friend.
James, a young man in his twenties, is grieving the sudden death of his best friend in a car accident.
Consumed by guilt and regret, James finds it difficult to function daily.
In grief therapy, James learns to process his emotions and challenge negative thought patterns that are contributing to his distress.
With the guidance, James begins to find acceptance and peace as he learns to live with his loss.
The stages of healing your grief are complex.
Understanding the stages of grief should be as common as breathing.
Grieving is a natural and necessary process, but it can feel overwhelming and confusing at times.
Having insight into the emotional journey you may experience as you work toward healing.
The five stages of grief include the following:
Denial: Expect to feel disbelief or denial about the loss. You may struggle to accept what has happened.
Anger: As the reality of the loss sets in, you may direct your anger toward yourself, others, or even the person you have lost.
Bargaining: In this stage, you may be bargaining with a higher power of guilt or regret about things left unsaid or undone.
Depression: Grief often brings sadness, despair, withdrawal, hopelessness, and inability to find joy in life.
Acceptance: You begin to come to terms with the loss. While the pain of the loss may never entirely go away, you can move forward with your life.
Why reach out to me as your therapist?
As a therapist trained in C-DBT, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and grief therapy, I offer a unique blend of evidence-based techniques and compassionate support to help you navigate your grief journey.
My goal is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to cope with your loss and find healing and meaning in your life again.
Here’s what to expect when selecting me as your therapist.
I will provide a safe and supportive space to express your emotions and process your grief.
You will gain practical coping strategies to help you manage the symptoms of grief, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
You will receive guidance in navigating the stages of grief and finding acceptance and peace. I will support you in building resilience and finding meaning and purpose in life after loss.
Amy and James benefitted from therapy, and so can you. Let’s walk through the stages of grief together. Contact me today for more information on how I can help.
*Names have been altered to maintain client confidentiality.