Understanding Grief: More Than Just Loss

TL;DR 
 Grief is a complex response to many types of loss, not just death. It can take many forms, including anticipatory, ambiguous, and prolonged grief. In this post, I share my experiences as a therapist supporting clients through all kinds of grief, and explain how recognizing its many faces can empower us to heal.

Why Understanding Grief Matters 

As a therapist, I have sat across from countless individuals and families navigating their own unique grief journeys. So often, my clients are surprised to learn that grief isn’t limited to mourning a death; it can arise from any kind of significant change or loss. My goal is to offer a compassionate, professional perspective on grief, helping you recognize its many forms and feel less alone in whatever you’re experiencing. By understanding grief more deeply, you can begin to approach your own healing with greater self-compassion and awareness. 

What is Grief? 

Grief is a natural, multifaceted response to loss or significant change. While most people associate grief with death, it can manifest after: 

• Loss of a relationship such as divorce or breakups 

• Job loss or career transition 

• Major health diagnoses-for yourself or loved one 

• Life transitions like moving, retirement, children leaving home, new career, or graduation 

• Loss of identity or sense of self 

Grief is not a linear process. It can ebb and flow, and everyone’s experience is different. 

The Many Faces of Grief 

Grief is far more complex than most people realize; in my practice, I encounter a wide variety of grief experiences, including (Worden, 2018; Pihkala, 2024): 

Anticipatory Grief: Grieving in advance of an expected loss. 

• Receiving a terminal diagnosis (for yourself or a loved one)

• Awaiting a major life change or anticipated ending 

Ambiguous Grief: Grieving someone or something that is physically present but emotionally or psychologically absent. 

• Caring for a loved one with dementia 

• Living with a family member struggling with addiction 

Nonfinite Grief: Grief arising from ongoing, incomplete, or ambiguous losses. 

• Parenting a child with a chronic illness or disability 

• Experiencing ongoing changes in your own health or identity 

Disenfranchised Grief: Grief that isn’t socially recognized or supported. 

• Miscarriage or infertility 

• Grieving the loss of a pet 

• Loss of a relationship that was kept secret 

Prolonged (or Complicated) Grief: When grief symptoms persist and interfere with daily life for an extended period. 

• Persistent longing or yearning for a lost loved one years after the event 

• Difficulty resuming daily activities after a significant loss 

• Collective Grief: Grieving as a community, often in response to large-scale tragedies or cultural changes. 

• Community mourning after a natural disaster 

• Grieving societal changes or collective trauma 

Signs and Symptoms of Grief 

Grief can show up in many ways, including (Pihkala, 2024): 

• Emotional: Sadness, anger, guilt, numbness 

• Physical: Fatigue, appetite changes, aches and pains 

• Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness 

• Behavioral: Withdrawing from others, changes in routine 

How Wild Hope and I Support the Grieving 

At Wild Hope, our approach is rooted in empathy, evidence-based modalities, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story. I utilize: 

• Individual therapy 

• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices 

• Narrative therapy to help clients reframe their experiences 

• Psychoeducation about grief and loss 

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 

At Wild Hope Counseling & Coaching, we understand that emotional and physical health are deeply connected. Our trauma-informed therapy helps regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and support overall well-being.  

Contact us: contact@wildhopecc.com  

Call us: 810-545-7773  

Just Remember… 

Grief is a universal experience that comes in many forms and is triggered by more than just death. By recognizing the types and symptoms of grief, you can approach your healing journey with greater understanding and kindness. If you or someone you know is struggling, know that support is available—at Wild Hope, we’re here to walk with you. 

Sources of Information 

• Worden, J. W. (2018). Grief counseling and grief therapy: A handbook for the mental health practitioner (5th ed.). Springer Publishing Company. 

• Pihkala, P. (2024). Ecological Sorrow: Types of Grief and Loss in Ecological Grief. Sustainability, 16(2), 849. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020849