Navigating Grief with Compassion and Hope

Grief touches every life. Whether you've lost a loved one, experienced a significant life change, or are grieving a version of yourself or your past, the pain can feel overwhelming. While grief is a deeply personal journey, you're not meant to walk through it alone. Understanding the process of grief and knowing where to find support can help you take gentle steps toward healing.

The Stages of Grief

Grief isn’t linear. You may move through the following stages in different orders and return to some more than once:

1. Denial – Feeling numb or in disbelief is a natural defense mechanism that cushions the shock.

2. Anger – You may feel anger at others, yourself, or even God. This emotion is part of your pain’s voice.

3. Bargaining – “If only” thoughts may surface as you try to regain a sense of control or make sense of the loss.

4. Depression – Sadness, isolation, or even hopelessness may settle in as the reality of the loss sinks deeper.

5. Acceptance – Over time, you may begin to find moments of peace, adjust to life with the loss, and create a new sense of meaning.

Remember, these stages aren’t checkpoints to complete—they are part of a complex emotional landscape.

Coping Skills for Grief

Here are some practical and compassionate ways to care for yourself through grief:

• Name what you feel – Giving language to your grief (sadness, guilt, longing, even relief) allows space for healing.

• Create rituals – Lighting a candle, writing a letter, or revisiting memories can help bring comfort and connection.

• Practice self-compassion – Grief is exhausting. Rest, nourishment, and patience are not luxuries—they’re necessities.

• Reach out – Talking to a trusted friend, support group, or counselor can provide comfort and perspective.

Christian Counseling and Grief

Grief can shake your faith—or deepen it. In Christian counseling, you’re invited to bring your full experience, including your doubts, your questions, and your hope. We explore the truth that God is “close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18) and can hold your sorrow with tenderness.

Whether you’re seeking spiritual meaning, comfort from Scripture, or simply want to process grief through a Christ-centered lens, Christian counseling offers a sacred space for your healing.

EMDR and Grief

Grief can be traumatic, especially when it is sudden, complex, or tied to unresolved past losses. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapy approach that helps process painful memories and reduces emotional distress.

Using EMDR, clients often find:

• Relief from overwhelming grief-related triggers

• Resolution of lingering trauma connected to the loss

• Greater emotional stability and clarity

Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Grief

IFS therapy honors the many “parts” of you that carry different feelings in grief—perhaps a part that wants to stay strong, another that feels devastated, and one that carries guilt or regret. Rather than silencing these parts, IFS helps you listen with compassion and curiosity.

This process allows your inner system to feel seen, supported, and gently guided toward integration and healing.

You Are Not Alone

Grief can feel isolating, but healing is possible. Whether you’re grieving a death, a divorce, a dream, or a life change, your emotions matter. In my practice, I offer a safe, supportive space to walk with you through this season—using evidence-based tools like EMDR and IFS, faith-integrated counseling when desired, and deep respect for your unique story.

Let’s take the next step together.

Contact Christi Young, MA, LPC

Christian Counseling, EMDR, and ISF

Therapy in Colleyville and across Texas

📍 Office in Colleyville, TX | 💻 Telehealth across Texas

📞 Call: 817-993-1170

🌐 Website: www.7counseling.com📧

Email: therapycy@gmail.com