Grief Counseling

  • Have you experienced a loss that has left you feeling empty inside and unable to cope? 

  • Do you find yourself asking, “Why can’t I move on?” or “When will this pain go away?” 

  • Is it difficult to manage your day-to-day activities?

Are You Struggling with Overwhelming Grief?

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You may have tried different tactics to move forward - whether that means trying to ignore the pain or facing it head on. The sadness, anger, and confusion continue to weigh you down. What you are experiencing is normal. It’s common for those who have experienced a major loss to wonder whether the intensity of these emotions will lessen or if you’ll ever find a sense of peace. Many people seeking grief counseling are looking for a way to heal and move forward without feeling so lost and burdened.

You might feel isolated or uncertain about how to process the complex emotions that come with grief. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant life change, grief can leave you feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and disconnected from other people in your life.

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Grief is a universal experience, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

It often feels incredibly isolating. People face similar emotional challenges when confronted with loss, even though the grieving process looks different for everyone. Sadness, guilt, anger, and anxiety are common feelings that surface. While it may seem like no one understands your pain, many others have been where you are.

You probably understand that grief is a natural response to loss, but it doesn’t make you feel any better or less alone. However, with the help of an experienced grief therapist, you can find ways to honor your loved ones in a meaningful way and heal, even after a life-changing loss.

“Grief, I've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

- Jamie Anderson

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There are many types of grief.

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While grief is most commonly associated with the death of a loved one, there are many other types of grief people may experience. For example, anticipatory grief occurs before a loss, often when caring for someone with a terminal illness, allowing time for emotional preparation.

Complicated grief involves prolonged, intense mourning that can make it difficult to move forward in life. Disenfranchised grief happens when a person’s loss isn’t socially recognized or publicly mourned, such as the loss of a pet, a difficult break-up, or a miscarriage.

Cumulative grief occurs when multiple losses happen close together, creating overwhelming emotional strain. Ambiguous loss happens when there is no closure, such as when someone goes missing, the death of an ex-spouse, or a family member experiencing dementia and being lost to you mentally but not physically.

Traumatic grief arises from sudden, violent losses like accidents or suicide. Inhibited grief involves suppressing or avoiding your emotion for a long period of time. Lastly, collective grief is experienced by groups of people following large-scale tragedies, such as natural disasters, war, and other devastating community losses. Not all grief is the same, but no matter who or what you are grieving, your grief is valid.

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Whatever shape or form your grief holds, grief therapy can help you heal.

At RelationshipStore, our grief counseling services will help you navigate the complex emotions that come with loss.

We understand that grief isn’t something you “get over”—it’s something you work through. It’s something that you need support through. Having a grief therapist in your corner allows you space where you can openly express your feelings and begin to make sense of your experience.

In our sessions, we use a combination of approaches to support your healing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify unhelpful thoughts that may be prolonging your suffering.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques guide you in staying present with your emotions, reducing feelings of overwhelm. We also incorporate Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT) for clients who are experiencing prolonged or unresolved grief. We will help you to process and move through your grief at your own pace.

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We’ll discuss your loss and explore how it has impacted your life. Together, we’ll work on developing coping strategies that feel right for you—whether that means honoring your grief, finding ways to adjust to life without your loved one, or creating new meaning and purpose in your life. You’ll learn practical skills for managing difficult emotions and creating space for healing.

Our therapists have helped many individuals and families navigate their grief. You don’t have to carry the burden of your grief alone—healing is possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

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Common Concerns about Grief Counseling

What if I’m not ready to face my grief?

It’s common to feel hesitant about addressing your pain, especially if the emotions feel too raw and overwhelming. We will meet you where you are and allow you to explore your grief at your own pace. You won’t be pushed to move faster than you’re comfortable with, but instead, gently guided through your healing process.

What if my grief is different from everyone else you’ve worked with?

Everybody’s grief is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Our therapists take the time to understand your individual experience, tailoring sessions to meet your specific needs and concerns. Your grief is valid, no matter how different it feels.

Will grief therapy actually help?

Yes, grief therapy can be incredibly helpful. Grief is a complex and overwhelming experience, and while time alone can sometimes ease the pain, therapy provides guided support that can improve your ability to cope, heal, and move forward.

A trained grief therapist offers a space where you can express your emotions, process the pain of loss, and develop coping strategies just for you. Therapy gives you the tools and support to face your grief head-on, rather than feeling stuck in it. 

Do you offer grief therapy for children, teens or families?

Yes, we do. While the effects of grief may not be as apparent as it is in adults, the loss of a loved one (a person or pets) significantly affects children and teens. Children may show visible changes in their personalities from experiencing prolonged grief.

Children who are experiencing grief and loss can receive early intervention from one of our grief counselors so that it does not lead to other mental health issues. We also offer grief therapy for families and can see your whole family together in session if that is a better fit.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE ALONE IN YOUR GRIEF.

Our compassionate grief counselors at RelationshipStore are here to help. Sharing your loss can make the grieving process easier.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re available for texts and calls at (630) 974-6777, as well as via email at info@relationshipstore.org 

Our practice is located in Burr Ridge / Willowbrook, IL and offers online therapy sessions throughout Illinois.

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