Grief and Loss

Grief changes you. It alters your sense of time, identity, relationships, and the world around you. It can feel like a wave that knocks you off your feet, a heaviness you carry through the day, or a numbness that makes everything feel distant and unreal. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, a relationship, a dream, a pregnancy, a sense of safety, or a version of your life that once felt certain, grief is a deeply personal experience—one that does not follow predictable stages or timelines.

At Catalyst Counseling, we believe grief is not a problem to fix—it is a human experience to honor. Our therapists approach grief with tenderness, spaciousness, and cultural humility, recognizing that the meanings we make of loss are shaped by our families, cultures, spiritual frameworks, and identities. Your grief is not too much. It is not something you “should” be over. It is a testament to what—and who—has mattered deeply to you.

There Is No “Right Way” to Grieve

Grief can look like sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, overwhelm, relief, emptiness, or a mixture of emotions that shift moment to moment. You may feel:
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Exhaustion that feels bone-deep
Changes in appetite or sleep
A sense of isolation, even around loved ones
Irritability or moments of unexpected anger
Guilt for what you “should have done differently”
Numbness or disconnection
Anxiety about the future
A longing for connection with what was lost

Grief does not move in neat stages. It rises, falls, and resurfaces in unexpected ways—anniversaries, seasons, songs, smells, or quiet moments can bring it back sharply. All of this is normal. Nothing in your grief is a sign of failure.

Types of Grief We Support
Loss takes many forms, and not all are socially acknowledged or understood. We support individuals navigating:
The death of a loved one
Miscarriage, infertility, or pregnancy loss
Loss of a relationship, marriage, or partnership
Loss of identity or roles (such as career or health changes)
Loss connected to immigration or displacement
Grief following trauma or sudden events
Chronic illness and the loss of “how life used to be”
Estrangement from family or community
Anticipatory grief for a loved one with a terminal condition
Disenfranchised grief—loss that others minimize or misunderstand
Your grief is worthy of care, no matter its form or cause.

Cultural, Spiritual, and Familial Contexts Matter
Grief is influenced by culture. Some families express grief openly and communally; others grieve privately or through ritual. Some cultures encourage emotional expression, while others value endurance, strength, or devotion. You may feel tension between your personal emotional needs and your community’s expectations.

You might be navigating:
Conflicting expectations around mourning or ritual
Shame because your grief looks different from those around you
The pressure to “stay strong” for your family
Grief that is intertwined with immigration or generational experiences
Spiritual questions, doubts, or shifts
Family disagreements about caregiving, funerals, or legacy
A sense of being “between worlds” if loved ones are far away

Our therapists approach grief with cultural humility, meaning we listen deeply to understand your traditions, values, and beliefs. We never impose our own interpretations of what grief should be.

Grief as a Relational and Embodied Experience
Grief is not only an emotional experience—it affects your body and relationships too. You may notice:
Tension, heaviness, or pain in your body
Difficulty engaging socially
Feeling distant from your partner or loved ones
Irritability with people who “don’t get it”
Heightened sensitivity or emotional overwhelm
A need for more rest and gentleness

These responses are normal. Grief asks a lot of your nervous system. We help you understand the physical aspects of grief and support you in finding ways to soothe your body as well as your mind.

How We Support You Through Grief
Our approach to grief therapy is gentle, attuned, and never rushed. Healing from loss is not about “moving on”; it is about integrating the loss into your life in a way that feels meaningful and compassionate.

Therapy may include:

1. Making Space for Your Story
We invite you to share as much—or as little—as feels right. We honor your memories, your relationship, and the significance of what you’ve lost.

2. Processing the Emotional Complexity of Loss
Grief often brings conflicting emotions. You may feel angry and heartbroken at the same time, or relieved and guilty simultaneously. We help you explore these layers without judgment.

3. Exploring Meaning, Identity, and Change
Loss changes your relationship with yourself. Therapy offers a place to examine how grief has reshaped your values, roles, and worldview.

4. Supporting Your Nervous System
Grief can overwhelm your body. We provide somatic tools and grounding strategies to help you feel more supported in moments of intensity.

5. Honoring Ritual, Legacy, and Connection
For many people, healing involves continuing bonds with what was lost—through ritual, storytelling, or personal practices. We support you in creating meaning that aligns with your culture and values.

6. Tending to Relationships and Community
Grief can strain or deepen relationships. We help you navigate communication, expectations, and connection during a vulnerable time.

7. Allowing Grief to Evolve
Grief changes over time. Therapy helps you understand these shifts and supports you in moving with them rather than resisting them.

You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone

Loss can feel isolating, especially when others expect you to bounce back quickly or move on before you’re ready. You deserve a space where your grief is honored, where your story is heard, and where your healing is supported with compassion and cultural humility.

Whether your loss is recent or years old, whether it is clear or complicated, whether it is acknowledged or invisible—you are not alone. We walk beside you as you navigate grief in your own way, at your own pace.