Loss or Grief

Grief Therapy in New York

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Loss is an inevitable part of the human experience, and feelings of grief may accompany not only the loss of loved ones, but also major life transitions and personal illness. In some cases, losses experienced long ago that could not be adequately processed at that time can continue to create pain and confusion in present-day life.

Common Grief Symptoms:

Loss and grief are complex and highly individual experiences, and people may react to them in different ways. However, there are some common symptoms and emotional responses that individuals may experience when dealing with loss. These can include:

Feelings of deep and pervasive sadness
Shock and disbelief
Anger
Guilt
Anxiety and fear, especially regarding the future
Physical symptoms, including fatigue, changes in appetite, headaches and sleep disturbances
Social withdrawal
Mood swings
Feelings of emptiness or numbness
Difficulty concentrating
Intense feelings of yearning and longing
Spiritual questioning

These are all normal aspects of the grieving. However, there are certain situations where seeking professional help for grief and loss may be warranted.

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When should I seek therapy for loss or grief?

You should seek therapy for loss or grief if you have been experiencing any of the following:

Inability to care for yourself, maintain relationships, sufficiently manage responsibilities
Isolation and withdrawal from loved ones and social activities
Turning to alcohol, drugs or other substances as a way to cope with grief
Intense feelings of guilt or self-blame
Persistent, intense, and debilitating symptoms that do not improve over time
Grief exacerbating preexisting mental health conditions and trauma
Suicidal thoughts
Lack of support, where you cannot talk openly about your feelings of grief with those around you
Loss of meaning and sense of purpose

What can I expect during therapy for grief and loss?

Loss brings with it intense and painful emotions that can feel too dreadful to face, or that we feel we must hide from others due to the real or imagined belief that it would be too much for them to stay with us as we experience these emotions. In addition, loss can bring feelings of guilt or confusion as we might have had conflicting feelings toward the deceased, including resentment or anger. Loss may also trigger earlier unprocessed losses or experiences that can further complicate grief. It can shake up our sense of who we are or our capacity to find meaning in life without the one that we have loved.

Mourning is the process that one goes through in response to the loss of a loved one or something deeply significant in your life. It is a period of grieving during which you express your emotional pain as you come to terms with the reality of the loss.

Therapy can help support and guide you through the mourning process, which involves experiencing the complex emotions, thoughts, and reactions related to the loss. Therapy can also support you in exploring the defense mechanism we use to protect ourselves from feeling the emotional pain or acknowledging the complicated reactions we are experiencing. It is by going through the process of mourning that can help you to come to terms with your losses, reconnect with yourself, and eventually open your heart to new relationships and new possibilities for meaning while honoring the memory of what was lost.

about me

Marina Rozenberg, MD.

Clinical psychiatrist and therapist

I’ve been a practicing internal medicine physician since 2004. In the process of going through my own healing journey, I realized that I wanted to learn to use the tools that were most valuable to me in order to help others in their pursuit of more meaningful and genuine lives. To that end, I completed a 4-year postgraduate training program in Bioenergetic Analysis, and additional postgraduate programs in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I am currently enrolled as a psychoanalytic candidate at the Object Relations Institute in NYC.

about me

Psychodynamic Insights into Grief Therapy

In psychodynamic psychotherapy for grief we can explore the following:

The profound impact of the loss on your life
Complex emotions that arise, including sadness, anger, guilt, regret, and sometimes relief
Ambivalent or conflicted feelings toward the deceased, such as love and anger
Unresolved issues with the deceased or other significant relationships that can complicate the grieving process
Significant changes in self-identity and sense of purpose that can accompany loss
Existential questions about the meaning of life and the purpose of continuing without the person or object that was lost
The experience of emotional numbness that can arise during grief
Dreams and symbols related to the loss
Defense mechanisms, including avoidance, denial, or other ways of managing overwhelming emotions
Alternative coping strategies, including giving yourself permission to grieve, journaling, seeking support groups, maintaining self-care, and exploring spiritual practices
Relationship patterns, both current and historical, that can influence grief reactions and how you related to others in your time of grief

Grief is a journey that requires time, self-compassion, and understanding. Together, we can navigate the complexities of grief, in a way that can promote growth and resilience in the face of profound loss.

To get started with therapy for loss and grief, please submit this form or call me to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation.

conditions

I work with adults of all ages who are seeking help for the following conditions

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Conditions

Trauma

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Conditions

Personality Disorders

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Oct 26

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Conditions

Loss or Grief

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Oct 26

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Conditions

Chronic Pain or Illness

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What Is Grief and Loss Therapy?

Grief and Loss Therapy is a specialized form of counseling aimed at helping individuals cope with the pain of losing someone or something significant. This therapy provides a safe space to explore emotions, memories, and challenges related to loss, promoting healing and acceptance.

How Does Grief and Loss Therapy Work?

Through a series of counseling sessions, a therapist helps the grieving individual process their emotions, adapt to their new reality, and find meaning or purpose moving forward. The therapy can be individual, group-based, or even family-focused, depending on the individual’s needs.

Who Can Benefit from Grief and Loss Therapy?

Anyone who has experienced a significant loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or any other profound change or end, can benefit. Grief doesn’t discriminate by age, gender, or circumstance.