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 a life that has changed.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors work with children, adolescents, adults and older adults across the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, 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.

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

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What does grief feel like?

 

Grief may present in different ways. You might notice:

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• 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.  Where grief follows a sudden, distressing or traumatic event, trauma-informed counselling may also be relevant.

 

Why doesn't grief follow a predictable path?

 

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

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

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

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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.

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How does grief counselling help?

 

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

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

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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.

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How do I find a grief counsellor near me in the Sutherland Shire?

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Many people begin by searching for a grief counsellor near them. Our psychologists and counsellors see children, adolescents, adults and older adults in person at our Menai practice, and online across Australia, so you do not need to be local to begin. If you are unsure who to see, our Client Care Team can help you find the right clinician.

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​​Grief and loss counselling in the Sutherland Shire

 

If you have been looking for a grief counsellor near you, our psychologists and counsellors provide grief and loss counselling in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia, so support is available whether or not you are close by.

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We see clients from across the Sutherland Shire, including Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, Sutherland and surrounding suburbs.

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

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Grief is one of the most personal experiences a person can go through, and the right clinician matters. At Evolving Minds, our psychologists and counsellors have experience working with grief, bereavement and complex loss across the lifespan. You can read more about each of our clinicians and their areas of focus on Our Team page.

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Getting started

 

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

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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.