By: Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC Journaling is a coping strategy that can help people explore difficult thoughts and emotions, but staring at a blank page can sometimes feel overwhelming. Grief journal prompts provide a little more structure by giving you a place to begin. Writing after a loss can offer a private space to express…
By: Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC Grief does not only happen after someone dies. Non-death grief can occur after many types of loss or significant life changes, including divorce, infertility, illness, changes in relationships, loss of trust, career changes, or changes in identity. These experiences can trigger emotional, physical, and cognitive reactions similar to those experienced…
By: Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC Grief reactions can be both visible and invisible. Some common grief reactions, such as crying, difficulty concentrating, or struggling with daily tasks, may be noticeable to the people around you. Others happen internally and may be much harder for others to see. Invisible grief reactions can affect your emotions, thoughts,…
By: Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC There are many types of grief, and understanding how grief can show up may help you make sense of your emotions after a loss. Grief comes in many shapes and sizes, but did you know it also comes in different types? Grief is a universal experience, but what and how…
By: Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC Managing your child’s pet grief after the loss of a pet is rarely something most families plan for. Based on Forbes’ 2024 research, 66% of United States households own a pet, and 97% of these homes consider their pets to be part of the family. Each of these families will…
By: Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC Taking care of yourself when grieving is widely misunderstood and avoided. “Take care of yourself” is said as a quick statement of condolence but rarely with instructions. How does one take care of themselves while battling and feeling the most painful emotions? Four ways to care for yourself when grieving…
By: Simrah Wasim, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by: Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, CCTP Experiencing a traumatic event such as the death of a loved one can be an overwhelming process for people of all ages. However, this can be especially difficult for children. Grief…
By: Alexia Cabreras, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Grief makes me think of Voldemort, you know, from Harry Potter? Throughout the movies, they always say, “he who shall not be named”… that’s what grief is like. People hate having to talk…
By Natasha Cooke, MS Supervised by: Melissa Barton, MA, MPC-S Are you struggling with grief? Have you ever experienced the death of a person or pet? What about a difficult loss of a job, relationship or experience with a diagnosis of a severe or terminal…
By: Natasha Cooke, Practicum Student Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S What is grief? Grief is a strong and natural emotion we feel after a loss. Grief occurs after the death of a loved person or pet. However, grief can also happen after other significant losses….