Grief and loss.

Relationship problems fall into five major categories. These are:
1. dysfunctional relationship
2.failure to form meaningful relationships
3. lost realationships through seperation
4. lost relationships through death
5. negotiating the normal and / or developmental challenges and changes in relationships.

In each the categories listed above issues of loss and grief may arise...

The most mportant stages of grief in usual sequence are:

• shock
• denial
• emotional, psychological and physical symptoms
• depression
• guilt
• anger
• idealisation
• realism
• acceptance*
• readjustment*
• personal growth*

*People will hopefully, in time, come to terms with their grief and start to accept the reality of their loss. Then will start to be more realistic about the parson they have lost, and to accept the loss as a permanent reality. Then are free to move foward and to creat a new life as an individual. This maybe scary for some clients, particularly for those who were heavily dependent on the relationship which is now lost. In thi stage of the grieving process the person need to be active, to try new experiences and thus to experience personal growth.

#Allowing the grieving process to occur

Do not try to calm or smothe the grieving person. Do not try to cheer them up or help them contain their sadness and fears. Instead, help them to express emotions freely, to cry if they wish, and to grieve fully.

copy from basic personal counselling (Geldard)