Navigating Guilt in Grief: Why We Choose Guilt Over Helplessness

Grief and guilt are frequent companions, intertwining in ways that can feel impossible to unravel. Guilt often provides a false sense of control in the face of the uncontrollable. When we lose someone dear to us, we can feel like we’r...

Grief is never a linear process. It doesn’t follow a script, and it rarely behaves the way we expect. While you may anticipate feelings like sadness, grief often brings a surprising mix of emotions that can catch you off guard. These feelings are valid, and recognizing them is a crucial step toward ...

Grief is a complex journey, and at its core lies a profound need: to have your pain witnessed. This was the foundation of a recent post, but today, I want to shift our focus to the next essential need of grieving people: to express your feelings.

This might sound straightforward, but expressing fee...

When someone we love is grieving, we want to help. We want to say the right thing, offer comfort, and ease their pain. But all too often, our words—no matter how well-meaning—can unintentionally hurt rather than heal.

In my last post, I shared how to witness someone’s pain with presence and compass...

Grief has a way of isolating us, doesn’t it? In the midst of loss, it can feel as though the world carries on while your own has come to a screeching halt. If you’ve ever wished for someone to truly see your pain without rushing to fix it, then you’re not alone.

In my years of working with griev...

Deciding that you want and deserve grief support is a powerful step forward on your healing journey. It’s an act of self-compassion and courage. But where do you begin? When grief feels overwhelming, figuring out your next steps can be challenging. Let’s break it down into meaningful, manageable act...

When grieving the loss of a loved one, especially a spouse or partner, many people find themselves wrestling with a painful question: If I heal, does that mean I’m betraying them?

This fear, born from the depths of love and loyalty, is deeply human—and heartbreaking. Yet, the idea that seeking p...

It’s often said that “time heals all wounds.” But if you’ve been on a grief journey, you might already know the truth: time alone will not heal heartbreak. Healing requires action—deliberate steps taken over time to nurture and support yourself through loss.

Grief is deeply personal, and no two ...

You might be surprised by the factors that could be holding you back from seeking grief support. Let’s explore some common barriers to starting your healing journey. Do any of these resonate with you?

1. Stigma and Shame

Cultural or personal beliefs about seeking help for emotional issues can c...

Grieving is one of life’s most profound experiences. It’s raw, unpredictable, and deeply personal. But how do you know when you’re ready to seek support for your grief?

Deciding to pursue grief support is a courageous step, and there are many indicators that it might be time. If any of the followin...

When someone says, “Don’t feel bad,” to a grieving person, it often comes from a place of love and an earnest desire to help. Yet, despite good intentions, this phrase can unintentionally harm the person in grief—and may even require repair to rebuild trust in the relationship.

Why? Because of what...

In the world of grief, well-meaning advice often comes in the form of familiar phrases that are supposed to make us feel better. One of the most persistent and challenging beliefs is this: Replace the loss.

This idea can manifest in various ways, depending on the situation and how we choose to cope...