Grief Counselling in Essendon & Moonee Ponds
Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something significant. It may follow the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, miscarriage, illness, major life changes, or other experiences of loss.
Grief can affect emotions, thoughts, sleep, appetite, relationships and day-to-day functioning. There is no single “right” way to grieve, and people may experience sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, disbelief, relief, anxiety or many different emotions at different times.
Psychologists consulting at VPC provide grief counselling for adolescents and adults in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and via telehealth. Support is tailored to each person’s circumstances, culture, relationships and stage of grief.
Signs and Impact of Grief & Loss
Grief affects more than emotions. It can influence how a person thinks, relates to others, manages daily responsibilities and experiences their body.
Common experiences may include:
- feeling overwhelmed, tearful, numb or emotionally flat
- mood swings, anger, guilt, regret or anxiety
- difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering things
- changes in sleep, appetite or energy
- withdrawing from others or feeling disconnected
- longing for the person, relationship or life that has been lost
- feeling unsettled by reminders, anniversaries or important dates
- questioning meaning, identity, faith or future plans
- physical symptoms such as tightness in the chest, fatigue or headaches
How Grief Can Be Supported
There is no “fix” for grief, and counselling is not about rushing someone to move on. Support focuses on helping people process emotions, adjust to changes and find ways to continue living while honouring what has been lost.
Grief counselling may help with:
- expressing emotions in a safe and supportive space
- making sense of the loss and its impact on life
- developing coping strategies for painful emotions
- navigating anniversaries, reminders and difficult moments
- addressing guilt, regret, anger or unresolved emotions
- adjusting to changes in identity, roles or relationships
- finding ways to remember and honour what has been lost
- rebuilding routines, connection and meaning over time
Psychologists consulting at VPC may draw on supportive counselling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, compassion-focused approaches and other evidence-based approaches depending on the person’s needs.
How We Can Support You=
At VPC, psychologists consulting from the clinic understand that grief is not just about “moving on”. It is often about learning to carry the loss while continuing to live in a meaningful way.
Support may help you:
- process emotions in a way that feels safe and manageable
- navigate the changes and adjustments that come with loss
- develop coping strategies for intense emotions and difficult moments
- explore ways to remember and honour what has been lost
- reconnect with routines, relationships and sources of meaning over time
