Grief, loss and hypnotherapy
Updated: May 8, 2020
I've had cause to discuss how hypnotherapy can help those suffering with grief and loss this week. It's such a difficult and personal subject, but I decided to make it the focus of this week's blog.
Grief and loss are experienced in such an individual way, there are no rules, no time frame, no right or wrong; grief is as individual as a fingerprint.
There are a number of recognised stages of grief, whether this is due to the death of a person, loss of a pet or even the irreconcilable break up of a relationship or friendship.
Stage 1 denial/shock protects a person from the initial intensity of the loss
Stage 2 bargaining dwelling on what might have prevented the loss, asking "what if"
Stage 3 depression sleep and appetite can be affected, tearful, feelings of loneliness
Stage 4 anger linked to feelings of abandonment and loss
Stage 5 acceptance recognising this sad event as part of their life path
When you lose a loved one permanently from your life, there is no short cut to acceptance. Understanding that we are designed to move through these stages in order to get to acceptance, is key. There is often misplaced guilt for the individual left behind; partly because they may wonder if they could have said or done anything differently that would have changed the outcome. Sometimes guilt is experienced following the feelings of anger and abandonment or simply because we believe the person we've lost was better than us, more worthy in some way.
Life is precious. We are not in control of everything that happens. We can, however, be kind to ourselves in very difficult times of grieving.
In the early stages of grief, I can work with clients to help with the symptoms; sleep disturbance, anger, anxiety, sadness. Providing an outlet for emotions and also providing tools and methods to cope with the emotions. It's important that an individual is allowed to go through the full process of grieving and not feel "short-changed" in that grieving process. This could lead to feelings of resentments and confusion.
We are all entitled to make our way through that journey, with the love and support of family and friends; reminiscing, sharing, talking and finally accepting. A therapist can be there to support this process and when an appropriate time has passed (12-18 months), help an individual work through any final unresolved stages if they are struggling to get there.
If I can answer any questions, please reach out...
For anyone looking to study the subject https://inlpcenter.org/hypnotherapy-training-learn-hypnosis/
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