Grief is a deeply personal journey, and it often feels like the ground has shifted beneath your feet. Whether you’re mourning a loved one, a relationship, or a significant life change, the weight of grief can impact every corner of your life.
Grief is not something to “get over,” nor is it a problem to solve. Instead, it’s a process of adapting to change, honouring what has been lost, and finding new ways to move forward. While no therapy can erase grief, approaches like Brain Work Recursive Therapy (BWRT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Hypnotherapy can offer supportive tools to help you navigate your emotions and regain balance in your life.
What Does Grief Feel Like?
Grief is complex, often showing up in unexpected ways. You might feel:
- Sadness and longing that comes in waves.
- Anger or frustration, even without a clear target.
- Confusion or forgetfulness, making everyday tasks feel harder.
- Physical exhaustion, as if the weight of your emotions is draining your body.
These feelings are a natural response to loss, but if they feel overwhelming or unmanageable, seeking support may help.
Therapies That May Support Your Grief Journey
BWRT: Calming Emotional Triggers
BWRT aims to help the brain reprocess automatic emotional responses tied to grief, such as vivid memories or specific triggers. This approach can create space for calmer reactions without erasing the memories or feelings tied to your loss.
For instance, someone struggling with a flood of emotion every time they hear a loved one’s favourite song may find that BWRT helps them engage with these moments with less distress.
EMDR: Processing Difficult Memories
EMDR is often helpful for those grappling with unresolved grief or trauma. Through guided eye movements, it supports the brain in processing painful emotions more effectively.
Imagine revisiting a particularly painful memory, not to erase it, but to soften its impact. EMDR helps create a sense of resolution and peace around those memories.
Hypnotherapy: Cultivating Inner Calm
Hypnotherapy offers a gentle way to explore your grief in a deeply relaxed state. This can make it easier to connect with and process complex emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
Some clients use hypnotherapy to create moments of visualisation, such as imagining a safe space to honour their grief or a conversation with a loved one to say what feels left unsaid.
When to Seek Help
It’s normal for grief to feel intense, especially in the early stages. But if you notice that grief is affecting your ability to function day-to-day or feels insurmountable, reaching out to a professional can provide relief and guidance.
Reflect on these questions:
- Do I feel stuck in my grief, unable to move forward?
- Are my emotions or memories interfering with my daily life?
- Could I benefit from a safe space to process what I’m feeling?
Supporting Yourself Along the Way
Grief is a journey, not a destination. No therapy can “fix” grief, but approaches like BWRT, EMDR, and Hypnotherapy aim to help you process your emotions, honour your loss, and find moments of peace. These therapies can be part of a larger toolkit that includes self-care, community, and time.
Grief changes you—it’s an unavoidable part of love and loss. While the pain may never fully disappear, you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re finding it difficult to navigate the weight of grief on your own, seeking professional support can make a meaningful difference. A psychologist can help you explore and process your emotions, identify underlying challenges, and develop healthier ways to cope. Jeanette Dreyer is an experienced and licensed EMDR Clinician (EMDR Institute™) and also offers BWRT and Hypnotherapy. She can assist you in navigating your grief journey, helping you find balance, peace, and a renewed sense of well-being.
