Grief Counselling in Regina
When grief becomes overwhelming or complicated
Grief is a normal response to loss, but sometimes it becomes stuck or overwhelming. Grief counselling in Regina at Lebell Counselling & Psychology provides professional support for people struggling with the death of a loved one or other significant losses.
We work with individuals who are having difficulty processing their grief or whose grief is interfering with their ability to function in daily life.
Types of Loss We Address
Death of a Loved One
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, close friend, or other significant person. The relationship to the deceased affects how grief manifests and what support is needed.
Sudden or Traumatic Death
Accidents, suicide, homicide, or unexpected medical events. These losses often involve trauma symptoms alongside grief and require specialized treatment approaches.
Anticipated Loss
When someone is terminally ill, family members begin grieving before the death occurs. This anticipatory grief can be just as intense as grief after death.
Complicated Grief
When normal grief becomes prolonged, intense, or interferes with daily functioning for extended periods. This may require specific therapeutic interventions.
Disenfranchised Grief
Losses that aren’t socially recognized or supported, such as death of an ex-spouse, loss of a pet, miscarriage, or death by suicide where stigma affects mourning.
Other Major Losses
Divorce, job loss, disability, loss of independence, or other major life changes that trigger grief responses similar to bereavement.
What Makes Grief Complicated
Circumstances of Death
Sudden deaths, suicides, homicides, or deaths involving medical negligence can complicate the grief process and may require trauma-informed approaches.
Relationship Factors
Complicated relationships with the deceased, unfinished business, or dependent relationships can make grief more difficult to process.
Previous Losses
Multiple losses or unresolved grief from previous deaths can intensify current grief reactions.
Lack of Support
Isolation, unsupportive family members, or social pressure to “get over it” can interfere with natural grief processes.
Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions
Depression, anxiety, or trauma histories can complicate grief and may require integrated treatment approaches.
Common Grief Reactions
Emotional Responses
Sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, relief, numbness, or overwhelming emotions that come in waves. These feelings may be intense and unpredictable.
Cognitive Effects
Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, or preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased.
Physical Symptoms
Fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, headaches, or other somatic complaints. Grief affects the body as well as emotions.
Behavioral Changes
Social withdrawal, avoiding reminders of the deceased, or conversely, seeking constant reminders. Changes in work performance or daily routines.
Spiritual Questions
Questioning faith, meaning, or life purpose. Wondering about afterlife or why the death occurred.
Supporting Different Types of Grievers
Intuitive Grievers
People who experience and express grief emotionally. They benefit from talking about feelings and processing emotions directly.
Instrumental Grievers
Those who express grief through action or thinking rather than emotional expression. They may prefer problem-solving approaches or memorial activities.
Dissonant Grievers
People whose natural grief style conflicts with social or family expectations. They may need help finding authentic ways to grieve.
Inhibited Grievers
Those who have difficulty expressing grief due to personality, culture, or circumstances. Therapy can provide safe space for grief expression.
Common Questions
Is it normal to still be grieving after a year?
There’s no standard timeline for grief. Many people have ongoing grief reactions for years, and this can be completely normal depending on the relationship and circumstances.
Should I bring photos or mementos to sessions?
Some people find it helpful to share photos or objects that remind them of their loved one. This is entirely optional and based on your comfort level.
What if I can’t cry or don’t feel sad enough?
Grief looks different for everyone. Some people don’t cry much, others feel numb, and some experience anger more than sadness. All reactions can be normal.
Will talking about it make the pain worse?
Initially, discussing your loss might intensify emotions, but avoiding grief often prolongs suffering. We pace sessions according to what you can handle.
Professional Grief Support
Grief is one of the most difficult human experiences. Professional support can help you navigate this challenging time with understanding and practical guidance.
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