Grief Psychologist

Understanding Grief

Grief is the natural emotional response to loss. It can be long-lasting and intense and may widely impact one’s life in many ways.

Grief is the reaction to loss, and bereavement is the state of loss. Everybody experiences grief differently. Some people want to talk about their loss, while others may withdraw. The duration and intensity of the grieving process can differ depending on the individual, their personality and coping style, and the nature of the loss.

Grief can occur as a result of:

• Death of a loved one

• Relationship breakdown, separation, or divorce

• Loss of a job

• Loss of home or community

• Terminal illness of oneself or another

• Chronic illness or disability

• Miscarriage or pregnancy loss

• Major life change (such as children moving out of home)

• Physical incapacity due to illness, injury, or disability

• Anticipatory grief — when an expected loss is impending

How Grief Can Present

Grief can affect a person across multiple areas of functioning. Responses to grief may include:

Emotional Responses

• Sadness, shock, or numbness

• Denial or disbelief

• Guilt or remorse

• Anxiety or helplessness

• Anger or irritability

• Loneliness or yearning

• Relief (particularly following prolonged illness)

Cognitive Responses

• Preoccupation with the loss

• Vivid dreams or nightmares

• Difficulty concentrating

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

Physical and Behavioural Responses

• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

• Muscle tension, tearfulness, or appetite changes

• Restlessness or social withdrawal

• Treasuring or hoarding items associated with the loss

• Avoidance of situations or places associated with the loss

Spiritual Responses

• Questioning life’s meaning or purpose

• Dramatic changes in one’s faith or philosophical outlook

How Grief Can Affect Daily Life

Grief can impact multiple areas of functioning, including:

• Persistent emotional distress, sadness, or tearfulness

• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or completing everyday tasks

• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

• Social withdrawal and reduced connection with others

• Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, appetite changes, or restlessness

• Avoidance of situations, places, or people associated with the loss

• Changes in sense of purpose, meaning, or identity

• Strain on relationships and difficulty engaging with work or study

Without support, grief can become more prolonged or complicated over time and may significantly affect a person’s wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life. You can read more about navigating the grieving process here. 

Grief Therapy: How Evidence-Based Approaches Can Help

Grief therapy at Reach Psychology is tailored to each person’s experience, goals, and circumstances. Treatment may draw on:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Schema Therapy

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

• Mindfulness-based approaches

• Somatic and trauma-informed interventions

• Narrative and meaning-making approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify and adjust unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that may be prolonging or intensifying grief. It can support clients to engage more effectively with daily life and find a healthier pathway through the grief experience.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT provides ways to relate more manageably to the pain of grief, allowing feelings to be present without becoming overwhelmed by them. It supports clients in continuing to live in line with their values, even while grieving.

Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy can be particularly helpful when grief connects with deeper emotional patterns, longstanding beliefs, or early life experiences. It can assist with feelings of abandonment, guilt, shame, or profound loss of identity.

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

CFT supports the development of self-compassion, which can be particularly important when grief is accompanied by guilt, self-blame, or harsh self-criticism. It helps clients develop a kinder, more supportive relationship with themselves through the grieving process.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Mindfulness practices cultivate the ability to attend to and accept thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations associated with grief in the present moment, without judgment. These approaches can help reduce the overwhelm that grief so often brings.

Somatic and Trauma-Informed Approaches

When grief is connected to traumatic loss or complicated bereavement, somatic and trauma-informed approaches can help address the body’s response to distress and support nervous system regulation alongside emotional processing.

How Therapy Can Support the Grieving Process and Improve Quality of Life

With appropriate support, many people experience:

• Greater ability to process and move through grief

• Reduced emotional overwhelm and distress

• Improved ability to manage day-to-day functioning

• Stronger sense of connection, meaning, and purpose

• Improved sleep, concentration, and physical wellbeing

• Healthier relationships and increased capacity to engage socially

• A sense of carrying the loss in a way that allows life to continue

While grief does not simply go away, therapy can support people to carry their loss with greater ease and live meaningfully despite it.

Grief Psychologist in Melbourne Bayside and Telehealth Australia-Wide

Reach Psychology provides evidence-based grief therapy for adults navigating loss and bereavement. Loss and grief can significantly impact your relationships, health, and ability to work and socialise. Know that you are not alone. 

Reach Psychology Clinical and Telehealth Services in Bayside/Hampton/Brighton is here to help you process your feelings and find a healthier, gentler path through grief so that you can thrive despite your loss and its impact on your life.