Grief is a natural response to loss, and while it is a deeply personal experience, many people find it becomes more manageable over time. For some, however, grief can persist and intensify, making it challenging to move forward. This is known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). PGD goes beyond typical mourning and can significantly disrupt daily life. At Killian Counseling Services LLC, we offer compassionate support for individuals experiencing prolonged grief, helping you navigate the healing process with care.
What is Prolonged Grief Disorder?
Prolonged Grief Disorder occurs when intense grief lasts longer than expected, significantly impairing daily functioning. This diagnosis is typically applied when grief persists for more than 12 months after losing a loved one. Key characteristics include an inability to resume normal activities or regain a sense of purpose.
While grief is a personal journey, prolonged grief often requires professional help to process and move through. It may manifest as preoccupation with the deceased, overwhelming sadness, and an inability to find joy or meaning in life after the loss.
Signs of Prolonged Grief Disorder
Prolonged Grief Disorder can feel like being stuck in a perpetual state of mourning. Here are some key signs to watch for:
- Intense Yearning for the Deceased: A persistent longing or preoccupation with the deceased, even long after their death.
- Avoidance of Reminders: Actively avoiding places, objects, or memories associated with the deceased due to overwhelming pain.
- Difficulty Moving Forward: Feeling stuck and struggling to envision a future without the person who has passed.
- Disruption of Daily Life: Inability to function at work, home, or socially due to grief.
- Numbness or Detachment: Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from the world and loved ones.
- Intense Guilt or Self-Blame: Experiencing guilt or blaming oneself for the death, even when there is no rational cause for these feelings.
- Loss of Identity or Purpose: Struggling with a sense of self or direction without the deceased.
How Counseling Can Help
While grief is a natural part of life, prolonged grief can be debilitating and make it hard to find closure. Counseling for Prolonged Grief Disorder provides a supportive space to process your emotions and find healing pathways. Here’s how therapy can help:
- Grief Processing: Counseling allows you to express and process your grief openly in a safe, non-judgmental environment. By confronting your feelings, you can begin to understand and work through them.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps challenge negative or distorted thoughts related to guilt and hopelessness. This evidence-based approach assists you in reframing your thought patterns and coping with loss in healthier ways.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT encourages individuals to accept their grief and move forward without feeling like they are letting go of their loved one. This approach promotes embracing emotions while finding new ways to honor the deceased.
- Trauma-Informed Counseling: For those who have experienced sudden or traumatic losses, grief can be complex. Trauma-informed counseling helps address any trauma associated with the death, providing a holistic healing approach.
- Restoring a Sense of Purpose: Counseling can help individuals reconnect with their sense of purpose and identity, rebuilding their lives to honor their past while creating space for future growth.
How Killian Counseling Services Can Help
At Killian Counseling Services LLC, we understand the unique challenges of Prolonged Grief Disorder. Our team of PhD-level clinicians—experts in grief counseling—offers compassionate, evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs. We work with you to process your emotions, navigate the complexities of loss, and find meaningful ways to honor your loved one while reclaiming your life.
We provide both virtual grief counseling for clients across New Jersey and in-person grief therapy at our Montclair office, offering flexible support options to fit your situation.
Reach Out Today
If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of Prolonged Grief Disorder, help is available. At Killian Counseling Services LLC, we are here to provide the guidance and support you need to navigate your grief and find peace. Contact us today to begin your journey toward healing and emotional restoration through grief counseling.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or substitute for professional mental health care. If you are experiencing symptoms of grief or other mental health concerns, we encourage you to seek support from a licensed mental health professional. For personalized guidance and treatment, please consult with a qualified therapist or counselor.