Loss is a normal part of life. It is mostly associated with the death of a loved one, but we also experience it when we lose a relationship, a job we deeply care about, or a massive opportunity that has the potential to change our lives. The pain and emotions that come with such losses can become overwhelming and make you feel like you’re stuck and unable to move forward.
Regardless of the type of loss you’re dealing with, it is important to remember that there is no right and wrong way to grieve. If your grief, however, becomes a little bit too much to handle, talking to a therapist via https://calmerry.com/online-grief-counseling/ can help. Online counseling can help you work through your intense emotions and teach you ways to cope or even transform your grief into growth or strength.
What is online grief counseling?
As its name suggests, online grief counseling is a form of grief counseling/therapy delivered online or via the Internet. It is designed to help you resolve and process intense emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and adapt and move forward after loss. It offers a space to process your feelings and explore your memories, while dealing with the pain and symptoms of grief.
Online grief counseling may be appropriate for you if you have trouble grieving or find it hard to function after a loss. This can help you learn ways to navigate the stages of grief and the grieving process, especially if grief is:
- Causing constant arguments and problems in your relationship
- Disrupting your everyday life or day-to-day activities
- Causing intense feelings or lasting bouts of difficult emotions, such as anger, guilt, and sadness
- Co-existing or associated with other mental health disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Causing you to turn to alcohol and other substances to deal with the pain
Is online grief counseling effective?
Online grief counseling can teach you techniques to cope with very intense feelings and difficult emotions. Here’s what research/studies say about its effectiveness.
- A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis – found that internet-based interventions can be effective in reducing symptoms of grief, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Further research, however, is needed.
- A 2023 randomized waitlist-controlled trial – found that internet-based cognitive behavioral (CBT) therapy can help treat prolonged grief symptoms in traumatically bereaved adults. Online CBT also reduced symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress.
CBT is said to be effective in addressing loss and grief. It works by helping you understand how your thinking affects your behaviors and how to replace destructive thought patterns with positive ones. And with online CBT, you get the support and guidance you need without having to commute, travel, or schedule an in-person session. CBT tools that can help with grief include:
- Cognitive reframing
- Targeting behaviors
- Developing a new narrative
A 2021 study found this type of therapy helped increase emotional intelligence and spiritual well-being of elderly bereavement. Another study has also found CBT effective for reducing prolonged grief disorder symptoms.
How can online grief counseling help you?
The pain of grief may sometimes cause you to isolate yourself or even turn to unhealthy coping habits. This is especially true if the grief or your emotions become too much to bear. Online grief counseling at calmerry can help you cope with the loss and discover ways to heal. Here is how online grief counseling can benefit you:
- Have a safe space to discuss whatever you’re going through – Therapists are trained to listen and make you feel safe and at ease while expressing your feelings. They can also make you feel heard, supported, and validated, as well as offer assurance that some of the difficult emotions you’re feeling are normal.
- Learn strategies for coping – The pain associated with loss may sometimes cause you to neglect yourself or even turn to unhealthy habits. A qualified grief counselor or therapist can teach you coping skills to manage your emotions, relieve stress, and help you readjust to your new reality.
- Help you focus on yourself – The logistics of loss can be overwhelming and sometimes get in the way of grieving. Online grief counseling gives you time and space to let yourself feel without being judged. You can be completely honest during your sessions, and don’t have to leave certain details that make you feel ashamed or vulnerable.
- Heal at your own pace – The therapists at Calmerry tailor their treatments to make sure they match your needs, goals, and values. They help you heal at a pace that is right for you and understand that recovery takes a different amount of time for every individual. They don’t rush you into it, but instead take it one step at a time and focus on the approach that helps you achieve lasting change.
How to turn your grief into growth or strength
Online therapy or grief counseling enables you to understand yourself better and develop coping strategies for long-term positive changes. This is beneficial in turning your grief into growth or strength. Below are a few other things that can help:
- Accept and acknowledge the pain – As the American poet Robert Frost said, “The only way out is through”. You need to admit that there is pain, trauma, or suffering and not try to deny, dilute, or bottle them up. Acceptance is a form of forgiveness that helps you create a healthier relationship with yourself as well as promote healing.
- Stop beating yourself up – Fixating over past mistakes or the things you could have done differently can prevent you from moving forward. The right thing to do is show yourself some compassion and treat yourself the way you would treat a close friend. Focus on the things that matter and those that allow you to move forward.
- Find a lasting connection with the deceased – Instead of solely focusing on the pain and loss, put your attention on the valuable things you’ve learned and received from your loved one. Be reminded that you can begin a new life without them, but you can always keep those happy memories and cherished moments as a source of strength and happiness.
- Improve your mood by moving – Physical activity releases brain chemicals that can boost your mood and help relieve discomfort. It also allows you to focus more on your body and movements, allowing you to take a temporary break from grieving and your emotions. It can also provide you with a sense of accomplishment by working toward goals and helping you feel more control over your life.
Why choose Calmerry for grief counseling and online therapy?
Calmerry offers support for grief or loss without having to worry about traveling or commuting. All you need to get started is to get a brief assessment, pick a subscription, and get matched with a therapist within 24 hours. Your provider will contact you to schedule an introductory session, as well as develop a tailored plan that can guide you through the healing process.
Other reasons to go with Calmerry include:
- Licensed grief counselors
- Get matched with a therapist that is suited to your needs
- Licensed and vetted therapists
- Plans for every budget
- Cancel anytime and easily renew your subscription
- 24/7 human-operated support
- Free therapist switching
Grief can make you feel intense emotions that can turn your world upside down. Online grief counseling at Calmerry can help you deal with the pain and emotions that come with grief so you can accept the loss and adjust to a life without your loved one.