Grief is unique for every individual who has lost their loved one and the impact it has on their life. The death of a beloved person can be expected, or sudden and tragic. Regardless of how one has died, every person has their own story about their grief. Having the ability to express the pain from loss and making sense of what happened in your loved one’s death is an integral part of grieving.
When is it time to get help?
It is important to remember that grief is healthy. Grieving is a time of adjusting and learning to a live a life without your loved one, which cannot be hastened. The passage of time itself might not be as helpful to overcome grief, instead it is what we do in that time of grief that matters. Although there is no right way to grieve, there are helpful ways to experience grief. For example, being an active participant in your grief and finding time for your grief can be beneficial. If you are finding difficulty dealing with the loss of a loved one and it is significantly impacting your daily functioning, it might be time to speak to a mental health professional who can help.
How can CBT help with grief?
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based practice that is widely used to help individuals who have experienced the death of their beloved one. Individuals will learn to identify their thoughts about the circumstances of the death, the feelings about the person who died, and behaviours associated with their grief. Maladaptive beliefs and actions that might be affecting one’s ability to find acceptance and adapt to their changed life can further complicate one’s grief. CBT treatment with bereaved individuals may include, but is not limited to:
- Validating and normalizing the experience of grief
- Providing psychoeducation about grief
- Identifying unhelpful thought patterns and thinking traps connected with grief
- Adjusting to a new schedule and/or role after the loss of your loved one
- Maintaining a relationship and connection to your loved one after they have passed
- Learning coping tools and emotion regulation strategies
- Gaining awareness of what you need to help with grief and being an advocate for yourself
- Finding acceptance and living in accordance with one’s values
How can the team at Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy help?
At the Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy, we have trained psychologists with experience in addressing grief in an empathetic and sensitive manner. If you are experiencing difficulties with grief and are interested in receiving evidence-based treatment, please contact us at: 905-338-1397 or admin@oakvillecbt.ca or via our Contact Us page.