Loss is one of the most difficult and universal experiences we have as humans. Around the holidays, many people experience a renewed sense of grief, sadness, anger, and longing for people or relationships they have lost over their lives. While it can be hard to experience these emotions, it is important to understand that the [...]
Category: Grief and Loss
Grieving During the Holidays
This time of year can be especially difficult for those grieving. The losses we experience can be losing a loved one, losing a pet, a home, or a job. In the absence of those we love and things we cherish, we are grieving the sense of security and stability they’ve once brought us. Grief can [...]
Three Tips for Navigating Holiday Stress
Self-Care Tips for Dealing with Grief, Loneliness, and Family Tension The Hallmark Channel has made a fortune providing subscribers a vision of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas as a wonderful festive time where problems are worked out by New Year, but it's not that way for most of us. Holiday escapism into holiday-themed movies, books and [...]
Am I Grieving Right?
Everyone grieves, but is there a right way to do it? The short answer – no. Grief is a universal experience yet it is different for everyone. The Mayo Clinic defines grief as an overwhelming emotional response to loss. Whether it is the death of a relative, a breakup with a romantic partner, receiving a [...]
Helping Clients Heal After Heartbreak
As a clinician supporting clients in the aftermath of a relationship’s ending, it is oftentimes a delicate and multi-faceted process. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that each client copes with the grief and sadness in a way that is unique to them. Being able to properly assess their unique [...]
Do you have an anxious or stressed child? Try these fun activities.
Fun activities to do with children that may be stressed, anxious, hyperactive, suffering from grief or loss, or just plain bored. Children often learn better to express themselves with hands-on activities. All of these activities can be tailored to the individual child. Stress Ball and Fortune Teller Activities One thing that is helpful for [...]
Navigating Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a very difficult time for anyone experiencing grief and loss. This may be the first family gathering without a loved one present. It may also be years since the loss of a loved one as the pain connected to grief continues to ebb and flow. The holidays can also be [...]
Grieving the Loss of a Pet
The loss of someone you care deeply for can feel absolutely devastating. The same goes for the death of a cat, dog, or any other pet you may have. The experiences and feelings we have with our pets are unique to our relationship with them. There is no one else that has experienced that relationship [...]
Finding Your Snowflake in this 2020 Blizzard: A Quick Guide to Holiday Grief and Loss
By Diane Bonilla, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor in Northern Virginia The holiday season is upon us and life is marching forward, but for some, your minds and your hearts are standing still, grieving the death of a loved one amidst what feels like an incoming storm. Even if the loss is from the past, holiday time [...]