On Grief and Loss: Thoughts from a Grieving Therapist

Grief is one of the most human experiences we can have, yet it’s also one of the hardest to put into words. It can arrive suddenly, or it can linger quietly in the background of our lives. Whether we’re grieving the loss of a person, a relationship, a season of life, or even a version of ourselves, grief changes the way we see the world.

As a therapist, I’ve sat with many people in their grief. But as a human, I’ve also experienced my own. What I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, is that there is no right way to grieve. There is only your way.

Grief Isn’t Linear

We often imagine grief as stages we move through in a straight line. In reality, grief is more like a wave—sometimes calm, sometimes overwhelming. You might feel acceptance one day and anger the next. Some days might bring peace, and others might bring tears that feel fresh all over again. None of this means you’re doing it wrong. It simply means you’re human.

The Body Keeps the Story

Grief doesn’t just live in our thoughts; it lives in our bodies. You might feel it as heaviness in your chest, fatigue, or tension that’s hard to release. Sometimes it shows up as forgetfulness or irritability. Listening to your body’s cues can help you understand what your grief needs, whether that’s rest, connection, or quiet stillness.

This mind-body awareness is a powerful part of healing. When we give our emotions space to be felt, we allow them to move through instead of staying stuck inside.

What Helps When You’re Grieving

There is no checklist for grief, but these practices can help you stay grounded in the process:

1. Let yourself feel without judgment.
You don’t have to rush to be okay. Grief softens when it’s allowed to exist.

2. Name what you miss.
Whether it’s a person, a sense of safety, or a dream that’s changed, naming your loss brings clarity and tenderness to your healing.

3. Create small rituals of remembrance.
Lighting a candle, journaling, or visiting a meaningful place can help you stay connected while still moving forward.

4. Reach out for support.
You don’t have to hold it all alone. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you carry what feels too heavy on your own.

From One Grieving Heart to Another

Even as a therapist, grief reminds me that healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about learning to live with what’s been lost. There can be beauty in remembering, even when it hurts. There can be hope in the moments when you least expect it.

If you’re walking through grief right now, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Your loss matters. Your pain makes sense. And with time, compassion, and support, your heart can begin to hold both sorrow and peace at once.

If you’d like support navigating your own grief journey, I offer therapy for individuals who are healing from loss at Align Counseling. You can reach out through my contact page or schedule a consultation to learn more.