Trauma informed Grief and bereavement counselling and therapy Edinburgh

Stuart is a psychoanalyst and clinical hypnotherapist who over the years has completed extensive CPD (continuous professional development) training, including a level 3 Grief and bereavement counselling award, to augment his core training in the area. He has also completed the CGCS post graduate, post qualification internationally recognised award, and the Advanced Certified Clinician CAGCS award. These are no longer being “renewed” since the qualifications have been completed, and the CPD renewal requirements overlap with those of the main focus of the business –  trauma and loss, therefore the badges would merely require additional charges for no other gain. As part of reducing overheads and preventing the need for further price rises, we have chosen to become more selective in regard to “badge” costs. We intend to focus on trauma and neurodivergence badges and a few specific therapy models, dropping the other badges for related areas (depression, anxiety, grief) which are all covered within trauma and loss.

The service provided by Stuart in Edinburgh and online is Trauma informed grief therapy using both advanced complex trauma models and advanced grief therapy models.

Grief is the natural emotional response to loss, most often associated with the death of a loved one, but it can also be experienced with any significant loss, such as the loss of a relationship, job, health, or even a cherished dream. It is a complex and deeply personal experience, encompassing a wide range of emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations.

Key aspects of grief:

• Emotional rollercoaster: Grief can involve a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, fear, anxiety, and even moments of joy or relief. These emotions can fluctuate and change unexpectedly.
• Physical sensations: Grief can also manifest physically, with symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, changes in appetite or sleep, and digestive issues.
• Cognitive impact: Grief can affect concentration, memory, and decision-making. It can also lead to intrusive thoughts and preoccupation with the loss.
• Social and behavioral changes: Grief can lead to social withdrawal, changes in behavior, and difficulty engaging in daily activities.
• Individual and cultural variations: The experience of grief varies greatly from person to person and is influenced by factors such as personality, culture, and the nature of the loss.

While grief is a natural process, it can be incredibly challenging and painful. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and the journey is often unpredictable and non-linear. However, understanding the common aspects of grief and seeking support can help individuals navigate this difficult experience and find ways to heal and adapt.

What to expect with grief and bereavement

There are a number of models of grief that suggest phases, stages or levels of grief and the emotions that are attributed to them. However these are all potential models, and even within the models themselves, there is usually a caveat that stages overlap, repeat or occur simultaneously. Therefore in reality there is no neat progression. Grief and bereavement tends to be messy, chaotic and painful, as a myriad of emotions and feelings compete for attention.

Furthermore the background of the person, the nature of the relationship, the nature of other relationships, whether there have been other bereavements, and the potential future post bereavement all have influences on the individual occasion of grief.

Anticipatory grief

Sometimes we know in advance that a loved one is going to pass away. Diagnosis of terminal conditions with “x” months to live are not uncommon. In these cases there is an anticipatory grief process in advance of the actual passing, as well as a modified response afterwards.

If the anticipation is less than 6 months, according to some therapists there is not enough time to prepare. Over 18 months and there is too much time and a sense of frustration or unreality can set in.

Animal or pet death

Many people consider pets not as belongings, but as close family members. it is not unusual for people to suffer significant grief and bereavement from the loss of a loved pet. Again this is individual, and the attachment to the pet, and the lack of, or dynamic of other relationships around it also influence.

Types of therapy

Grief and bereavement counselling does not seek to “remove” grief. Instead it seeks to guide the person through the experience, seeking understanding, self awareness and authentic emotions. This can take the form of humanistic or person centred counselling, or psychoanalytic, or integrative and holistic. Different styles will help different people and the more flexible the therapist, the more advantageous this is for the client.

Grief therapy, also known as bereavement therapy or grief counseling, is a type of therapy that helps individuals cope with the emotional, psychological, and physical responses to loss, most often the death of a loved one. It provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to process their grief, explore their emotions, and develop coping strategies to navigate the challenges of loss.

Key aspects of grief therapy:

• Individualized approach: Grief therapy is tailored to the individual’s unique needs and experiences, recognizing that everyone grieves differently.
• Emotional expression: It provides a safe space to express and explore the full range of emotions associated with grief, including sadness, anger, guilt, and fear.
• Meaning-making: It helps individuals make sense of the loss and find meaning in their experience.
• Coping skills: It teaches coping strategies to manage the emotional and physical challenges of grief.
• Adaptation and adjustment: It supports individuals in adapting to the changes in their lives and adjusting to a new normal.

Different approaches to grief therapy:

• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with a therapist to explore personal grief experiences.
• Group therapy: Provides support and connection with others who are grieving, offering a sense of shared experience and understanding.
• Family therapy: Helps families navigate grief together and support each other through the process.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be hindering the grieving process.

Benefits of grief therapy:

• Reduced emotional distress: Helps individuals manage and cope with the intensity of their grief.
• Improved coping skills: Provides tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of loss.
• Enhanced self-awareness: Increases understanding of one’s grief reactions and coping mechanisms.
• Increased resilience: Helps individuals develop greater resilience to cope with future challenges.
• Improved quality of life: Supports individuals in finding meaning and purpose after loss and moving forward with their lives.

If you are struggling with grief, seeking support from a qualified grief therapist can be incredibly beneficial. They can provide you with the tools and guidance you need to navigate this difficult journey and find healing and growth.

Trauma-informed grief therapy is a specialized approach that recognizes the potential impact of trauma on the grieving process and integrates trauma-informed principles into grief counseling. It acknowledges that individuals who have experienced trauma may have unique challenges and vulnerabilities when coping with loss, and it aims to create a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth.

Here are key elements of trauma-informed grief therapy:

• Understanding the Interplay of Trauma and Grief:
  • Trauma’s impact on grief: Trauma can complicate the grieving process, leading to heightened emotional distress, difficulty regulating emotions, and challenges with forming or maintaining attachments.
  • Grief as a potential trigger for trauma: The experience of grief can also trigger past trauma memories or exacerbate trauma-related symptoms.
  • Overlapping symptoms: Trauma and grief can share similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating, making it important to differentiate between the two.
• Creating a Safe and Trusting Therapeutic Relationship:
  • Safety and empowerment: The therapist prioritizes creating a safe and empowering space where the individual feels comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions.
  • Collaboration and choice: The therapist works collaboratively with the individual, offering choices and respecting their autonomy in the therapeutic process.
  • Sensitivity and validation: The therapist demonstrates sensitivity and validation towards the individual’s experiences and emotions, recognizing the impact of trauma on their grief.
• Integrating Trauma-Informed Principles:
  • Awareness of triggers: The therapist helps the individual identify and manage potential triggers that may arise during the grieving process.
  • Emotional regulation: The therapist teaches emotional regulation skills to help the individual cope with intense emotions and navigate emotional flashbacks.
  • Mindfulness and grounding: Mindfulness and grounding techniques can be used to help the individual stay present and manage anxiety or dissociation.
  • Trauma processing: If appropriate, the therapist may incorporate trauma-focused therapies, such as EMDR or Trauma-Focused CBT, to address unresolved trauma.
• Adapting Grief Therapy Techniques:
  • Pacing and titration: The therapist adjusts the pace and intensity of grief work to meet the individual’s needs and tolerance.
  • Narrative therapy: Narrative therapy can help individuals reframe their grief story and find meaning in their experiences.
  • Creative expression: Creative expression, such as art or journaling, can provide a safe outlet for emotions and facilitate processing of grief and trauma.

In conclusion, trauma-informed grief therapy provides a specialized approach to support individuals who have experienced trauma in coping with loss. By integrating trauma-informed principles and adapting grief therapy techniques, therapists can create a safe and empowering space for healing, growth, and resilience.Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis and grief counselling in Edinburgh, Falkirk and Glasgow

Stuart initially trained in psychoanalysis, clinical hypnotherapy and stress counselling (externally NVQ accredited and assessed diploma course and CNHC accreditation route via SSM). (We are no longer CNHC registered effective December 2020) .  Post graduation in 1996, he has trained in a range of psychotherapies and counselling models including grief and bereavement counselling. He also uses CBT and holistic psychology, including eastern psychologies, and has a MSc in Psychology. He also completed accreditation assessment in counselling, hypnotherapy and psychotherapy with the NACHP.

In 2020 Stuart completed Post Graduate, post Qualification Specialist Certification training in Grief Integrated therapy, followed by Advanced Grief Therapy Certification qualified as an advanced grief Specialist. His main practice focus is on Complex Trauma and is an Advanced Certified Complex Trauma Therapist and neuro-divergence specialist.

Key words: Grief and bereavement counselling, bereavement therapy, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, CBT, therapy support, Edinburgh,  counsellor, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, mindfulness, MCBT, CBA, NLP, hypnotherapy, IPT, hypnosis.

Contact via the contact us page HERE

Primary Registration