Understanding the Grieving Process and Finding Support
Losing someone or something significant in your life is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or a major life change, grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming process.
At Orange Sky Counseling, we help individuals in Canadian Lakes, MI, and across Michigan through virtual counseling navigate the complexities of grief and loss. If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone—healing is possible.
Understanding Grief: What Does It Look Like?
Grief is not a linear process, and there is no “right” way to grieve. While everyone experiences grief differently, many people go through a range of emotions, including:
Sadness and depression – Persistent feelings of sorrow, loneliness, or numbness
Anger or frustration – Feeling irritable, resentful, or even guilty
Anxiety or fear – Worrying about the future or struggling with uncertainty
Denial or disbelief – Difficulty accepting the loss as real
Physical symptoms – Fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite, or trouble sleeping
Grief is not just an emotional experience—it can affect your physical health, thoughts, and behaviors. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward understanding and healing.
The 5 Stages of Grief
The five stages of grief, developed by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, provide a general framework for how people experience loss. However, it’s important to remember that grief is not a step-by-step process, and you may move between stages at different times.
Denial: Feeling shocked or numb, struggling to accept the reality of the loss.
Anger: Frustration, resentment, or feelings of unfairness about the loss.
Bargaining: Wishing things had turned out differently, replaying “what if” scenarios.
Depression: Deep sadness, isolation, or a sense of hopelessness.
Acceptance: Learning to adjust and move forward while honoring the loss.
Healing does not mean forgetting—it means finding ways to live with love, loss, and resilience.
How to Cope with Grief and Loss
1. Allow Yourself to Feel
Grief is not something to “get over”—it’s something to move through. Give yourself permission to feel your emotions without judgment. Suppressing grief can make it harder to heal in the long run.
2. Talk About Your Loss
Sharing your feelings with trusted friends, family members, or a therapist can provide emotional relief. Talking about your loss does not mean dwelling on pain—it allows you to process it.
If you feel alone in your grief, consider joining a support group where others who have experienced similar losses can provide understanding and encouragement.
3. Take Care of Your Body
Grief can take a toll on your physical health. Focus on:
Getting enough sleep
Eating nourishing meals
Engaging in light movement, such as walks or yoga
Taking care of your physical well-being supports your emotional healing.
4. Create a Tribute or Memorial
Honoring your loss in a meaningful way can help with the healing process. Some ideas include:
Creating a photo album, memory box, or journal
Lighting a candle in remembrance
Engaging in an activity your loved one enjoyed
These small but meaningful acts can help keep the memory of your loved one alive while allowing you to process your emotions.
5. Seek Professional Support
If grief feels overwhelming, prolonged, or interferes with daily life, therapy can provide the support you need. A counselor can help you:
Process emotions in a safe, non-judgmental space
Navigate complicated or unresolved grief
Develop healthy coping strategies
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it is a step toward healing.
When Should You Seek Grief Counseling?
It may be time to consider professional grief counseling if:
✔ You feel stuck in grief months or years after a loss
✔ You experience persistent feelings of hopelessness or despair
✔ You struggle with isolation or avoiding others
✔ You have difficulty performing daily tasks or responsibilities
✔ You feel intense guilt or regret that won’t go away
Therapy provides the guidance and tools needed to work through difficult emotions and find ways to heal at your own pace.
How Grief Counseling at Orange Sky Counseling Can Help
At Orange Sky Counseling, we offer individualized grief support for people navigating loss. We help clients:
Understand their grief journey
Develop healthy coping strategies
Find meaning and hope after loss
Honor the past while moving forward
We provide in-person counseling in Canadian Lakes, MI, and virtual therapy across Michigan so you can receive support in the way that works best for you.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Grief is a natural part of life, but you do not have to face it by yourself. Healing is possible, and support is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with loss, therapy can provide the space, guidance, and tools needed to navigate grief with care and resilience.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
📞 Call or Text: 616-987-1191
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