I remember when I was young living and playing with ‘reckless abandon’ whether it be on the ice hockey rink, in the back yard, or the family playroom. It was this full on life energy in action. It, well actual I, didn’t fit well in a box, I was a handful to try and contain, and I didn’t ‘behave’ myself at least according to others. I was so full of life. Well that changed a … [Read more...]

I have been supporting a client for several months now who has been ‘paralyzed’ by the grief she is experiencing associated with the loss of both her best friend and mother in a one-month period. Almost numbing to even think of how much emotional upheaval was going on for her. We were and are making steady progress in processing her grief. Today we had a huge … [Read more...]

When we hear a terminal diagnosis, that a loved one or ourselves are now palliative and will receive pain and comfort management with the goal of a good death the ominous thoughts arise; Is this the last time I will say goodnight to my loved one? Our last conversation? Is this our last hug? Our last meal? Good-bye? Kiss? All these sorts of questions arise when we hear … [Read more...]

In our digital and intellectual world we can often unknowingly over focus on thoughts and ideas and bypass, if you will, the rest of our being. Humans are a complex dynamic that includes physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental elements. Each of these four domains must be attended to if our expression of grief is to be healthy and complete. Grief is so personal and unique … [Read more...]

Sometimes when death does come knocking we run up against a ‘guilt gate’ through which it is difficult to gain access. This guilt gate is self-created; a direct result of how we have treated our dying or deceased loved one over the years. It blocks our ability to grieve in healthy ways. Good news is there is a key to open this self-constructed ‘guilt gate’. You see guilt is … [Read more...]