Grief and Loss

Grief is NOT sadness. While being sad for a prolonged period may begin the grieving process, it in and of itself is not a diagnosed disorder. Complicated bereavement can develop when severe and consistent grief and mourning link up over some time, identified as 

“persistent complex bereavement disorder” in the DSM-5. Resulting from trauma or a myriad of losses, therapy does assist in remission. Losses from divorce to moving to the death of a loved one (or pet) can result in this type of bereavement, often impacting not only one’s psychological health but one’s physical health as well. Therapeutic support, as well as support from loved ones, can lessen these symptoms. Acceptance is quite a rocky road and must be handled with care, as the grieving process has many stages. A treatment plan is developed to assist with an estimated length and type of therapy identified.