Coping with Grief – How to Heal After Loss

 

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences—and yet, it can feel incredibly lonely. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or even a life transition like an empty nest, grief shows up in many forms.

dr karen hawk psychologist gilbert  Living in a close-knit community like Gilbert, many people try to stay strong for their families, show up at work, and carry on as if everything is okay. But healing from grief isn’t about “moving on”—it’s about learning to live with the loss in a way that honors your emotions and helps you move forward with meaning.

What Grief Really Feels Like

Grief is not just sadness. It can include a wide range of emotional and physical reactions, including:

·         Shock or disbelief, especially in the beginning

·         Anger, guilt, or regret

·         Numbness or feeling emotionally “flat”

·         Fatigue, insomnia, or appetite changes

·         Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

·         Intense yearning or waves of sadness

There’s no right or wrong way to grieve—and no timeline. Your experience is valid, no matter what others may expect of you.

Common Myths About Grief

Grief is often misunderstood. Here are a few myths I hear in my practice—and the truths behind them:

·         Myth: You should be “over it” by now.
Truth: Grief has no expiration date. Healing is a process, not a deadline.

·         Myth: Staying busy will help you move on.
Truth: Avoiding emotions often delays healing. It’s okay to slow down and feel.

·         Myth: If you cry too much (or too little), something’s wrong.
Truth: Everyone processes grief differently. Your way is the right way for you.

·         Myth: Seeking help means you’re not strong enough.
Truth: Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Grief

There’s no shortcut through grief—but there are ways to support your healing:

1.       Allow Yourself to Feel
Let the waves come. Cry, write, talk, rest—grief demands emotional honesty.

2.       Lean on Supportive People
Whether it's friends, family, a support group, or a therapist, being heard matters.

3.       Maintain Routines When Possible
Structure provides a sense of safety and normalcy during chaotic times.

4.       Honor the Loss
Create rituals, write letters, or make space in your life for remembrance. Honoring doesn’t mean you’re stuck—it means you’re healing with meaning.

5.       Be Gentle with Yourself
Expect good days and hard days. Avoid self-judgment. Grief isn’t linear.

6.       Know When to Seek Help
If grief feels overwhelming or persistent (especially after several months), therapy can help you process the loss in a safe, compassionate space.

How Therapy Supports the Grieving Process

Karen Hawk Gilbert  Grief counseling gives you the space to feel fully seen and heard—without pressure to “get over it.” In sessions, we might work on:

·         Exploring and expressing emotions you may be suppressing

·         Processing unresolved guilt, anger, or questions

·         Rebuilding identity and meaning after loss

·         Creating a new relationship with the person or thing you’ve lost

In my Gilbert practice, I walk alongside clients through some of the darkest times in their lives. You don’t have to do it alone.

Conclusion

Grief is not a problem to be solved—it’s a process to be honored. No matter what kind of loss you’re facing, your feelings are real, valid, and deserving of care.

If you’re struggling to cope or just need a safe place to process what you’re going through, I’m here to help. As a licensed psychologist in Gilbert, I offer compassionate grief counseling to support you in healing—at your own pace, and in your own way.

You can move forward with grace, memory, and hope. Let’s take the next step together.