Bereavement Counselling in Plymouth

Grief and Bereavement Counselling in Plymouth

If you are experiencing grief following a death or if you are mourning the loss of something significant in your life, take the first step towards understanding your feelings and coming to terms with your loss by contacting me, Tracy Dixon.

If you’re grappling with grief after a loss, bereavement counselling can provide crucial support. After the death of a loved one, few of us are fully prepared for the range of emotions that follow. Shock, numbness, anger and depression are just a few of the feelings you might experience.

Understanding Bereavement, Grief & Loss.

Grief is often likened to waves, and for good reason. At one moment, you might find yourself drifting smoothly, fully aware of the sadness but managing to stay afloat. Then suddenly, a surge of emotions overwhelms you, leaving you gasping for breath and struggling to regain your balance before the next wave comes and knocks you off your feet.

What are the Symptoms of Grief and Loss?

Shock and Disbelief: Questions like “How did this happen?” may linger as you struggle to process the loss.
Feelings of Abandonment: You might feel left behind, asking, “Why did they have to leave me?”
Overwhelming Sadness: The thought “I can’t go on without them” is a common and powerful sentiment.
Uncontrollable or Endless Crying: Emotional release through tears is a natural response.
Physical Pain: Stress and anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms, causing real, tangible pain.
Guilt: You may ruminate over actions or inactions, and feel guilty, especially if there’s some relief after the death.
Depression: A deep sense of despair or a feeling that life is not worth living can take hold.
Longing: This intense yearning has been described as extreme homesickness, but with the painful realization that your "home" no longer exists.
Numbness and Denial: It’s also possible to feel nothing at all, experiencing a complete numbness or denial of the situation.

Remember, all these feelings are normal, even those that seem negative. It’s common to feel anxious, worried, or depressed about experiencing such emotions, but they are all part of the grieving process.

What else might you experience after a bereavement or loss?

Changes in Relationships: Coping with others' reactions while managing your own feelings can be challenging and may strain your relationships.
Exhaustion: Grief is physically and emotionally draining, often leaving you unable to engage in activities you once did with ease.
Difficulty Adapting: Adjusting to a new reality can be overwhelming. Counselling can provide support and guidance to help you navigate these changes.
Loss of Interest: You might find yourself losing interest in activities and hobbies that you previously enjoyed.

How I can help

I am Tracy Dixon, a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with years of experience in helping individuals navigate through grief and bereavement.

My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring you receive the most effective and compassionate care during this difficult time.

How Bereavement Counselling Works

There is no universal solution to coping with grief, nor a set timeline.

Bereavement Counselling helps you process your feelings and adapt to the changes in your life. You may move through the stages of grief – Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance – in your own unique order.

Bereavement Counselling helps you navigate these stages and come to terms with your loss. It’s a safe space to talk about your loved one and explore your feelings without fear or judgement.

You may want to talk about the person who died, the events related to their death, or the impact that grief is having on various aspects of your life.

How long will grief last?

There is no set time limit for grief. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, Bereavement counselling can help when you feel ready.

Clients often ask me “How long will I feel this way?”. The answer is that grief takes as long as it takes.

Some people may grieve for extended periods, while others process their emotions more quickly.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to grieving.

Mourning the Loss of Significant Life Events

Grief isn’t only about death.

You could grieve the end of a relationship, even if the relationship was unhealthy or you needed it to end.

You may grieve a child leaving home, the loss of your health, a job or other life event.

Mourning is a healthy and necessary process but sometimes we need support to navigate it.

Getting Started with Bereavement Counselling

Taking the first step towards counselling can be daunting. I am here to support you every step of the way.

Contact Me: Feel free to reach out via phone or email to schedule an initial consultation.

During this 15-minute call, we can discuss how my counselling services can best support you.

Phone: 07818 421861

Email: tracydixoncounselling@gmail.com

Visit my Contact Page to get in touch

Helpful Resources about Bereavement, Grief and Loss:

The NHS has a useful webpage about Bereavement.

CRUSE is a wonderful Bereavement Charity. Their resources page contains links to many other organisations that you may find helpful.

The Good Grief Trust is a comprehensive website covering all things related to grief.

Child Bereavement UK. Helping children, young people, parents and families to rebuild their lives after a child dies or when a child is grieving.