Grief and Loss Counselling in the Sutherland Shire

Grief and loss can affect everyone differently. For some people, grief feels like overwhelming sadness or waves of emotion. For others, it may feel like numbness, disconnection or difficulty adjusting to life after a loss.

Many people seek grief and loss counselling following the death of a loved one. Others experience grief following relationship breakdown, miscarriage, illness, retirement or other significant life changes. Counselling provides a supportive space to understand what you're experiencing and begin to adjust to life after loss.

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our experienced psychologists and counsellors provide grief and loss counselling for children, adolescents, adults and older adults across the Sutherland Shire and Sydney. Appointments are available in person and online.

Signs and symptoms of grief

Grief can affect your emotional wellbeing, physical health, relationships and ability to manage everyday life. While many people associate grief with sadness, it can also influence your sleep, concentration, energy levels and sense of connection with others.

People experiencing grief may notice:

Persistent sadness or waves of intense emotion
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Changes in appetite
Sleep disturbance or fatigue
Feelings of guilt, anger or regret
Withdrawal from family, friends or usual activities
A sense of numbness or disbelief
Difficulty finding enjoyment in activities that once felt meaningful

These experiences can vary from person to person and may change over time. If grief is beginning to affect your work, relationships or everyday life, speaking with a psychologist or counsellor may help you better understand what you're experiencing and develop practical strategies to cope.

When should you seek support?

There is no right or wrong time to seek support. Some people benefit from counselling soon after a loss, while others reach out months or even years later as they continue to adjust to changes in their life.

You may find it helpful to speak with a psychologist or counsellor if:

Grief feels overwhelming or difficult to manage
Your emotions are making it difficult to cope with everyday life
You're finding it hard to return to work, study or usual activities
You're withdrawing from family, friends or other important relationships
You feel stuck or unable to move forward following a loss
You're experiencing ongoing feelings of guilt, anger or hopelessness
Your grief is affecting your physical health, sleep or overall wellbeing

Seeking support does not mean there is something wrong with the way you are grieving. Grief counselling provides a safe and supportive space to better understand your experience, develop practical coping strategies and adjust to life after loss.

How does grief and loss counselling help?

Grief and loss counselling begins with understanding your unique experience of loss and how it is affecting your everyday life. Together, you and your clinician will explore your experience of grief while developing practical strategies to help you adjust to life after loss.

Grief and loss counselling may involve:

Understanding your emotional response to loss
Exploring how grief is affecting your relationships and daily life
Working through difficult or conflicting emotions
Developing healthy ways to cope with change
Adjusting to changes in roles, routines and identity
Reconnecting with activities, relationships and sources of meaning at your own pace

Our psychologists and counsellors draw on a range of evidence-based approaches including, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Narrative Therapy, where appropriate.

f you would like additional support outside of therapy, GriefLine, provides a national support service for people experiencing grief and loss.