Complex Grief: From a Trauma Therapist’s Perspective

What happens when grief doesn’t fade with time or significantly impedes your ability to live life? Sometimes grief takes its natural process over time; however, there are instances where the emotions, sensations, and interference with daily functioning. This blog post will cover the topic of complex grief from a trauma therapist’s perspective.

Complex Versus Normal Grief

Grief, in general, is a difficult process to experience. However, with the normal grief process, someone begins to move forward with their life in a shorter amount of time versus when complex grief is at hand. Complex grief can last longer and be emotionally more intense than regular forms of grief. This form of grief may also have many layers as seen with the DC plan and helicopter collision recently in D.C. The father of one of the pilots on the plane was also a veteran and felt grief for his son as well as his military family. Read more by clicking on this article.

What is Complex Grief?

Grief itself affects everyone differently. Complex grief, versus natural grief, often occurs with more intensity and lasts longer than other forms of grief, per the Cleveland Clinic. With complex grief, the sadness, loss, loneliness, and lack of energy to do anything can begin to interfere with one’s ability to pay bills, make it to work, adjust to new life, and can almost have a crippling effect on that person’s world. Complex grief may also persist longer than more natural forms of grief, as referenced by the Mayo Clinic in this article.

How Can I Heal from Complex Grief?

Living with grief can be a challenge. Allow the body's natural response to ebb and flow. If grief persists, seeking mental health therapy may be beneficial. Most people will experience grief at some point in their life, but not all will experience complex grief. When that does happen, yes, there’s a natural process of moving through emotions and internal. However, sometimes our bodies and minds can become hooked on things that we should’ve done, could’ve done, or if/then sorts of thoughts. Working with a grief or trauma therapist can help you process and integrate the difficult experience surrounding the loss along with the painful emotions that are present. Two powerful forms of psychotherapy to help you begin healing include:

Individual Therapy Near Greendale, WI

You don’t have to suffer just because somebody has passed away. I offer individual therapy for those looking to heal from the grief that doesn’t seem to fade away in time. My office is in Kenosha, Wisconsin and is easily accessible for those who live in the Racine, Pleasant Prairie, and Kenosha area. I also offer online therapy services for those who live throughout Wisconsin and Colorado.

Take the next step and give me a call at 720-295-6703 or submit a form online by following this link here. I look forward to hearing from you.

By: Daniel Gospodarek, LCSW

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