Grief & Loss Counseling
At Penrose Counseling, grief therapy offers a safe place for you to show anger or other strong emotions as you process your grief. There is no orderly process of passing through stages of anger, denial, and acceptance.
Seeking out a grief counselor can help you process your loss and learn to be at peace when you remember the person you loved so dearly.
Whether it’s a loved one who has passed on, a relationship that surprisingly ended, or children who are growing into adulthood apart from you, each person experiences loss differently based on their personality, culture, and beliefs, among other factors. This process, though painful, is a healthy part of healing.
Therapy is a safe place for you to show anger or other strong emotions as you process your grief. There is no orderly process of passing through stages of anger, denial, and acceptance
Common Topics in Grief & Loss Counseling Include:
Grief affects people in many ways, and therapy provides a safe space to process emotions and navigate life after loss. Common topics include:
- Understanding Grief: Recognizing what’s typical, the “waves” of grief, and how it impacts the mind and body.
- Types of Loss: Sudden or traumatic loss, illness-related grief, anticipatory grief, pregnancy or infant loss, and pet loss.
- Daily Coping: Managing sleep, appetite, energy, focus, and decision fatigue during periods of grief.
- Emotions: Exploring sadness, anger, guilt or shame, relief, numbness, and anxiety.
- Family & Relationships: Navigating different grieving styles, role changes, and repairing conflict.
- Work & School: Planning returns, seeking accommodations, and maintaining clear communication.
- Meaning & Spirituality: Exploring rituals, faith questions, personal growth, and creating a legacy.
- Milestones & Triggers: Preparing for anniversaries, holidays, birthdays, and other emotionally significant dates.
- Children & Teens: Age-appropriate discussions, school support, and guidance for parenting while grieving.
- Older Adults: Partner loss, caregiving transitions, and grief related to dementia or chronic illness.
- Skills & Tools: Grounding techniques, sleep hygiene, and personalized coping strategies.
- Therapies & Groups: Evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, EMDR, trauma-informed care, and peer support.
- When to Seek Additional Help: Signs of depression, PTSD symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or problematic substance use.
My goal in therapy is for you to see and feel growth through the process.
We have moments where you see how you respond and feel differently than before, and you continue to make choices that create a more meaningful life.
You will be able to look at every version of yourself, which I’ll explain in our first session what versions I mean. You will look in the mirror and like what you see.
Intentional Honesty: We live in a time where things are often filtered or watered down. We’re sometimes too ashamed to be honest and truthful. I take a lot of pride in gaining your respect and trust for our therapeutic relationship. And when the time comes, and it always does, I will be honest with you to help you experience breakthroughs and create the change you want in life.
I’ll be there with you… step by step.
It can be scary to admit you need help, but you can acknowledge that you want more and want to see how to get more. I can help you see that and do it in an honest, intentionally inspiring way.
Imagine waking up rested and optimistic about what the day has to offer!
Call me today for a free consultation, and let’s talk more about how I can help you overcome the feelings and symptoms of grief: (720) 767-0038.
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“That first step can feel the hardest, but you don’t have to take it alone.”
Grief Counseling FAQs
What Is Grief Counseling and What Can I Expect?
Grief counseling provides a safe, supportive space to process your loss and the complex emotions that come with it. In sessions, we work together on coping strategies, nervous system regulation, and honoring your experience without judgment. Therapy is tailored to your unique journey, helping you navigate emotions, triggers, and life changes while gradually finding peace and meaning.
How is Grief Treated?
There isn’t a single “fix” for grief – each person’s experience is unique. The goal of grief counseling is not to “get over” your loss, but to help you navigate emotions, build resilience, and gradually find ways to engage with life while honoring your loved one.
When Should you Consider Grief Counseling
Grief counseling can be helpful anytime a loss feels too heavy to manage alone. Some people seek support soon after a loss, while others find counseling beneficial months or even years later. There is no “wrong” time. Grief therapy can provide guidance, coping tools, and a safe space to process emotions whenever you’re ready.
What Are The Different Forms of Grief?
Grief can arise from a variety of experiences, and each person’s response is unique. Common forms of grief include:
- Sudden or Traumatic Loss: Unexpected events such as accidents or sudden deaths.
- Chronic Illness or Anticipatory Grief: Grieving in advance of a loss due to illness or decline.
- Pregnancy or Infant Loss: Processing grief related to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death.
- Pet Loss: Mourning the loss of a beloved companion animal.
- Changes in Identity or Life Roles: Grief related to divorce, career transitions, children leaving home, or other major life changes.
What Does Grief Feel Like?
Grief is a deeply personal experience, and it can show up in many different ways. Common experiences include:
- Emotional reactions: sadness, anger, guilt, relief, or numbness
- Physical effects: fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, and tension
- Cognitive impacts: difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Relationship changes: withdrawing from others or feeling disconnected
Everyone’s grief journey is unique, and therapy provides a safe space to process these feelings, explore how grief is affecting your life, and develop coping strategies tailored to your needs.
Is There a Difference Between Depression and Grief?
Yes. While grief and depression can overlap, they are different experiences. Grief often comes in waves and is typically connected to a specific loss, whereas depression tends to feel more persistent, generalized, and may affect many areas of life.
Counseling can help you understand the differences, process your grief, and address depressive symptoms if they are present, providing support tailored to your unique needs.
Can I Bring a Support Person (Spouse, Family Member, Friend)?
I primarily provide individual therapy, focusing on your personal experience and healing. In certain situations, I may allow a spouse, family member, or support person to join a session or two, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis when it will be directly supportive of your therapy goals. This approach ensures that sessions remain focused, personalized, and effective for your needs.
How Long Are Sessions?
Standard therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes. For clients who may benefit from a shorter or longer session, I also offer 30-minute sessions or extended sessions when appropriate.
This flexibility allows us to tailor each appointment to your needs and schedule.
Do You Offer Telephone or Video Chat Sessions?
Yes, teletherapy and video counseling sessions are available for all services provided by Penrose Counseling to Colorado Residents. Learn more about online therapy sessions or contact me to schedule a free consultation.
Our Location
Penrose Counseling’s office is located at 6053 S Quebec St, STE 202, Centennial, CO 80111. For those who prefer the convenience of meeting remotely, we also offer secure and confidential online therapy services for Colorado residents.
Please call (720) 767-0038 to request more information about our services, or to schedule an appointment.
Request a Free Consultation
All it takes is a quick 15-minute call to begin making positive changes. That first step can feel the hardest, but you don’t have to take it alone. I’ll be here to support you and make sure you’re cared for every step of the way.
To receive more information about our services or make an appointment, please fill out the form below. Your information is confidential.