Grief & Loss

Grief is the natural reaction to loss, and can influence the physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and spiritual aspects of our lives.

Grief can be experienced in response to a variety of loss-related events, such as the death of a loved one, separation or divorce, the loss of a sense of safety or predictability, physical incapacity through disability, or the loss of one’s home or community due to disaster.

People cope with grief and loss in a variety of ways. While some might find it helpful to talk openly about the experience, others might prefer time alone. The intensity and duration of the grieving process can also differ between individuals. For most people, the experience of grief will dominate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours for a number of weeks or months.

Grieving is a difficult and challenging process. Most people learn to manage their grief and adjust to their loss in their own time. Maintaining self-care activities and routines, and having adequate social support available, can be helpful during this time of adjustment. However, for people who experience prolonged or complicated grief reactions, a number of more targeted psychological treatments and strategies can be of great benefit.