Grief
What are the common symptoms?
Grief is a natural response to loss, and it can affect people emotionally, physically, and mentally. While everyone experiences grief differently, there are common signs that often appear during this process. Recognising these signs can help you understand what you’re going through and remind you that these feelings are normal.
Grief doesn’t follow a strict timeline, and its intensity may fluctuate over time. It can manifest in ways that impact your mood, behaviour, and even physical health. Being aware of these indicators can help you seek support when needed and practise self-care during difficult moments.
Remember, grieving is not a weakness—it’s part of healing. Below are eight common signs you might experience when grieving.
- Intense sadness or tearfulness
- Feelings of guilt or regret
- Anger or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Physical symptoms like fatigue or aches
- Withdrawal from social activities
Why do I feel like this?
Shock and Emotional Turbulence
Physical and Cognitive Impact
Identity and Role Disruption
Search for Meaning and Control
How does therapy help?
Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can feel overwhelming and isolating. Therapy provides a safe space to process emotions, understand the grieving journey, and develop coping strategies. Through professional guidance, individuals learn to express feelings without judgement, explore the meaning of their loss, and gradually rebuild a sense of normality. Therapy doesn’t erase grief but helps manage its intensity, fostering resilience and emotional healing. Whether through individual sessions, group support, or specialised approaches, therapy empowers people to navigate grief in a healthy, constructive way, ensuring they feel supported during one of life’s most challenging experiences.
Emotional Expression
Therapy encourages open expression of sadness, anger, and confusion, reducing emotional suppression. This validation helps individuals feel understood and supported, preventing long-term psychological distress and promoting emotional release.
Understanding Grief Stages
Therapists explain grief’s stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance—helping individuals recognise their feelings as normal. This understanding reduces fear and confusion, fostering acceptance and emotional clarity.
Developing Coping Strategies
Therapy equips individuals with practical coping tools like mindfulness, journaling, and relaxation techniques. These strategies reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and provide structure during unpredictable grieving periods.
Preventing Complicated Grief
Professional support identifies signs of prolonged or complicated grief early. Intervention prevents mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, ensuring individuals receive timely care and recovery support.
Rebuilding Daily Functioning
Therapists assist in restoring routines, work focus, and social engagement. Structured guidance helps individuals regain stability, confidence, and purpose, reducing isolation and promoting gradual reintegration into life.
Creating Meaning and Growth
Therapy encourages reflection on the loss, fostering personal growth and resilience. Individuals often find new meaning, strengthen relationships, and develop a deeper appreciation for life’s values.
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychologist.
Meet Our Team
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Please contact us or click on this link if you would like to see one of our experienced psychologists
FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.