Hypnosis For Grief and Loss – Bereavement Grieving Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy for Grieving and Experiencing Grief
Hypnotherapy for Grief, Loss, Bereavement
The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult things a person will go through.
Whether the loss is from natural causes, disease or accident the process of grieving can be debilitating for some people.
While no one wants to feel the sadness which accompanies the death of a loved one, it is important to understand that it is a process and many people experience it in the following stages. The below stages can also occur for the person who is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
For many people the loss of a beloved pet can be devastating and difficult to recover from. Using hypnotherapy for grieving the loss of a pet can provide some relief for those intense feelings of loss and sadness.
It is important to note that one does not have to experience the stages of grief or the overall grieving experience in any particular order.
Stages of Grief
1. Denial and Isolation
The first reaction to learning of terminal illness or death of a cherished loved one is to deny the reality of the situation. It is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions. It is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.
2. Anger
As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin to fade, the painful reality of the death of your loved one surfaces. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected and redirected and expressed instead as anger. The anger may be aimed at inanimate objects, complete strangers, friends or family. Anger may even be directed at the doctor who diagnosed or is treating the terminal illness. Anger may be directed at our dying or deceased loved one. Rationally, we know the person is not to be blamed. Emotionally, however, we may resent the person for causing us pain or for leaving us. We feel guilty for being angry, and this makes us even more angry.
3. Bargaining
The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control:
- If only we had sought medical attention sooner…
- If only we got a second opinion from another doctor…
- If only we had tried to be a better person toward them…
Secretly, we may make a deal with God or our higher power in an attempt to postpone the inevitable. This is a weaker line of defense to protect us from the painful reality.
4. Depression
Depression associated with mourning can be a reaction to practical implications relating to the loss. Sadness and regret predominate this type of depression. Perhaps we are worried about finances or we worry that in our grief, we have spent less time with others that depend on us. It can be a feeling of hopelessness and extreme sadness at the thought of not seeing or speaking to the deceased loved one again. During this stage it is important to seek and accept the support you need.
5. Acceptance
Reaching this stage of mourning is a gift not afforded to everyone. The death of your loved one may be sudden and unexpected which can make it more difficult to accept. This phase is marked by withdrawal and calm. This is not a period of happiness and must be distinguished from depression. Remember, grieving is a personal process that has no time limit, and no one “right” way to do it. Coping with loss is ultimately a deeply personal and singular experience.
Theses stages may be experienced in a different order than listed here. It doesn’t matter what order they occur in or length of time one experiences each stage and a person may bounce from one to another and back to a previous one.
How does hypnotherapy work for Grief and Loss?
Using hypnotherapy to assist you in your grieving process can help especially if you are feeling stuck. This doesn’t mean that hypnosis can eliminate grief or sadness, it is quite important to experience some or all stages so that your mind can appropriately process the loss.
Hypnosis can help you move through the stages with a better understanding and help you to physically and mentally feel more calm and relaxed. It can help with the stress and anxiety associated with grief and loss such as sleep issues and lack of appetite. Even through our grief we still need to maintain a reasonable level of good health.