Grief and Loss Counselling in the Sutherland Shire

Grief can show up in different ways. For some people, it feels like intense sadness or waves of emotion. For others, it may feel like numbness, disconnection, or difficulty adjusting to change.

​

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors work with children, adolescents, adults and older adults across the Sutherland Shire experiencing grief and bereavement at different stages of life. Grief may follow the death of a loved one, or it can occur after separation, miscarriage, illness, or other significant life changes.

​

Grief counselling provides a space to understand what you are experiencing and begin to work through it at a pace that feels manageable.

 

What you might notice

 

Grief may present in different ways. You might notice:

​

• Persistent sadness or waves of intense emotion

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Sleep disturbance or fatigue

• Changes in appetite

• Withdrawal from social activities

• Feelings of guilt, anger or regret

• A sense of numbness or disbelief

 

These experiences can vary in intensity and may change over time.

 

Understanding grief in context

 

Grief does not follow a predictable path. Emotions can shift over time as people adjust to changes in their life, relationships, and sense of identity.

​​

For some people, grief may occur alongside experiences such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, particularly when a loss has been sudden or unexpected.

​

Some experiences of loss occur during pregnancy or early parenthood. In these situations, grief may be explored within perinatal counselling, depending on individual circumstances.

​

How counselling can help

 

Counselling focuses on understanding your experience of grief and how it is affecting your day-to-day life.

​

Grief can change how you think, feel and respond, particularly when adjusting to life after a loss. Therapy provides a space to slow things down and make sense of what is happening.

​

This may include:

• Understanding patterns in thoughts, emotions and behaviour

• Exploring how grief is affecting daily functioning

• Working through difficult or conflicting emotions

• Adjusting to changes in roles, relationships and identity

• Gradually re-engaging with activities and connections

 

Our clinicians draw on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Narrative Therapy where appropriate.

​

Grief Counselling in Menai and the Sutherland Shire

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors work with grief across different stages of life, including sudden loss, prolonged illness, and more complex experiences of bereavement.

​​

For children and adolescents, grief may be expressed through behaviour, changes in mood, or difficulty communicating emotions. Therapy is adapted using developmentally appropriate approaches, including creative or play-based strategies where helpful, to support expression and understanding.

​

For additional assistance outside of therapy, you may wish to explore GriefLine, a national support service for people experiencing loss.

​

This approach is reflected across the work we do, including therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, autism and relationship difficulties. You can explore these further on our Conditions We Work With and Evidence-Based Therapies pages.

​​

Getting started

 

Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.

​

If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist.  Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.