Grief and Loss/ End of Life Issues

Grief is a profoundly personal experience. It doesn’t follow rules or timelines, and it doesn’t care if you’re ready. The loss of a loved one, a person, a pet, a relationship, a future you counted on, can shake the very foundation of who you are.

At Oaks Counseling Center, we understand that grief takes many forms. Whether your loss was sudden or expected, whether you’re feeling heartbreak, rage, numbness, or confusion, there’s no “right” way to grieve. There’s only your way, and we’re here to walk alongside you.

Common sources of grief may include:

• The death of a family member, spouse, partner, or friend

• The death of a pet

• Divorce or the end of a relationship

• Loss of a job, home, or financial stability

• National or global tragedies and disasters

• Terminal illness, end-of-life care, and anticipatory grief

Grief can also surface through:

• Feeling isolated or disconnected from others

• Questioning your spiritual beliefs

• Wondering about the meaning or purpose of life

• Physical symptoms (fatigue, insomnia, or pain with no clear cause)

• Feeling like you’re “going crazy” — intense anxiety, guilt, or mood swings

• Difficulty concentrating or functioning

• The resurfacing of old trauma

Although grief is a natural response to loss, it can sometimes become overwhelming or lead to depression, especially when left unspoken. Therapy can be a place to exhale, to say the things that feel unsayable, to fall apart safely, and to find language for what’s been lost.

Our team specializes in supporting individuals grieving a death, a diagnosis, or any form of deep transition. If you’re looking for someone to hold space with you in the wreckage, we’re here. To schedule an appointment, call Janet at 818-516-7674