I first entered personal therapy due to grief.  I just didn’t know that at the time.  I only knew I was struggling and had no idea where else to turn.  I felt gory – unsettled, out of sorts and gross.  The grief that came to light in that therapeutic space of acceptance and safety encompassed loss of relationships, self and of course people who had passed away.  Bereavement only felt like a short time pass for how I was feeling but the impact of grief accumulated to a stressful pressure point.  I felt guilty for not being able to cope as well as I used to and for finding everything so tiring and difficult. 

Therapy gave me a space where I could explore what was really on my mind, be honest and open with another person – my wonderful therapist – who gradually allowed me to feel good about myself and I was able to give myself the grace that I needed.  

Years since, I trained and qualified as a therapist. I don’t have all the answers but I have developed further understanding, awareness and experience. I have worked with many clients with a range of challenging issues including some years of bereavement support and listened to people who are living through stressful times.  One of the most common questions I hear people ask is if what they are going through is “normal”.  We strive to be normal so much, to meet expectations of others, of society and of ourselves.  My response to this is firstly that normal is a very wide range.  Very wide, and as flexible as you can imagine.  

Normal is also changeable – your experience is very personal to you and you are the expert in what feels normal.  That may be different as circumstances change.

Grief can feel lonely and isolating, loss of many kinds can affect all aspects of life.  Talking through with a qualified professional therapist can help provide clarity and strength.   counselling@talktherapywithclaire.org