Have you ever considered the idea that you may experience grief while getting help from a psychologist? Making the decision to start treatment with a qualified Psychologist is daunting. Daunting because we know something doesn’t feel right and we want support to figure out how to put those pieces of the jigsaw together. When we start going to therapy and start figuring out how to put those pieces of the jigsaw together things start to change, and this can be a painful process. Sometimes we can experience a sense of sadness, ager, and a general sense of distress at the change that is happening because we are letting go of what once was, what is, and what could have been. These feelings are a normal part of the process. The therapeutic space then becomes a space to be able to think and reflect and work through ways to establish our sense of selves in the face of letting go and embracing change. This process is not an easy one.
So, what can we do if we start to feel like we are grieving while we’re in treatment? Well, first and foremost it is something that needs to be raised with your treating clinician. Raising it with them is important because it will give them an insight into where you are at with regards to how you’re feeling about the process of treatment. It will also allow them to work with you to begin processing your grief. Another thing that is often helpful in these moments is to go easy on yourself. Exercising self-compassion is important in moments of grief because you already feel distress, so there’s no point beating yourself up and making yourself feel worse. Exercising self-compassion can go a long way in helping you to manage your feelings of grief. Lastly, I would recommend seeking supports and talking to trusted people. Sharing your pain appropriately with people you trust helps ease the burden as you are not alone.
When change is happening, it hurts, but the result when we get through it is worth it.
To make an appointment with one of our team give us a call on (03) 9882-8874.
This blog was written and prepared by Dr Celin Gelgec - Director and Clinical Psychologist here at MWG.