Although grief is a common experience, adapting to it can be a difficult process. Many grieving individuals notice their pain does not ease with time.

This is known as complicated or prolonged grief. When grief fails to integrate into our lives, the experience is one or feeling stuck or frozen in distressing feelings or thoughts. People experiencing prolonged grief tend to appear as if they are managing and yet they feel empty and have lost their sense of purpose. Disturbing memories or images may be involved. Complicated or prolonged grief can leave us feeling empty and disconnected from life and the people around us.

Our physical and psychological health can be negatively impacted. There may be a higher rate of thoughts of dying, re-living of traumatic moments, and increased rates of depression. Complicated or prolonged grief can make it difficult for people to feel connected with others and reduce the ability to experience pleasure in life.

If you are experiencing difficulties, you are not alone. Around 10-20% of people will experience ongoing states of distress and other symptoms. For a therapist to assist with being able reduce enduring grief and distress requires specific skills and training.

As a specialist grief and bereavement counsellor, I provide tailored treatment for reducing chronic states of distress.

Undertaking this treatment however, requires a genuine commitment of time and effort for the desired changes to occur. Several sessions are required and a commitment to completing set tasks between appointments. Please make an appointment for an initial assessment to discuss whether this program is suitable for your needs.