“birth” and “death” are the bookends of our life

• Grief is a uniquely individual perception of loss and so the expression of grief is a uniquely individual process. Grief work is not limited to the passing of a loved one - we experience grief when we let go of anything, such as a relationship, a dream, a changing body. We cannot escape grief, but we can live through it.

There are some unifying themes in the grieving process. It was 50 years ago when Elizabeth Kúbler-Ross released her groundbreaking book "On Death and Dying."  She postulated 5 stages of grief:  denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. We now understand that these stages are not a road map for grief and that grieving itself is not a linear process. 

What is still certain however is that each of these 'stages,' and the associated emotions, is likely to form part of the grief journey for any individual.

• Grieving in all its stages is healthy and normal.
• Talking to others can be incredibly helpful; peer support groups can help normalize the intense feelings that one may be experiencing.
• There is no RIGHT way to grieve.
• Grief is work; ask yourself if you are avoiding your feelings and do the work to understand your emotions.
• Do not put a time limit on your process.  However, if you are unable to move through these stages more than a year after the loss of a loved one, you may have complicated grief, or persistent complex bereavement disorder. If so, please talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

Denise offers grief support groups, as well as individualized support, to help normalize the grief experience and assist the individual to understand their journey better.