How Grief Counselling Helped Mdm L Heal After Loss

Grief Counselling Helped Mdm L Heal After Loss (Source: Canva)

Mdm L, now 75 years old, experienced a profound loss when her only son passed away suddenly from a heart attack a year ago. Having already faced challenges in life—such as raising her son alone after divorcing her unfaithful husband—she felt utterly devastated by this unexpected tragedy. The pain of losing her son was immense, but it also opened the door to a journey of healing through counselling.

Mdm L sought help from O’Joy for grief counselling, where she was welcomed into a safe, non-judgmental space. The counsellor encouraged her to express her feelings openly, something she hadn’t felt comfortable doing with friends or family. Through these sessions, Mdm L began to understand that grief is a complex process, and the pain she was experiencing was a natural part of that process.

The counsellor introduced Mdm L to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a method that helped her to accept her emotions without being overwhelmed by them. She learned to observe and acknowledge her feelings of sadness, anger, and fear without judgment, which allowed her to gradually release the intense grip these emotions had on her. This approach empowered Mdm L to focus on the present and take steps toward rebuilding her life.

A significant part of her therapy was the introduction of Mindful Walking. This practice became a daily ritual for Mdm L, helping her reconnect with her surroundings and find moments of peace. As she walked, she learned to anchor herself in the present moment, noticing the sounds, smells, and sights around her, which provided a respite from the persistent thoughts of loss.

Over time, the counselling sessions helped Mdm L regain control of her life. Initially, she attended weekly sessions, where the counsellor guided her through various exercises and discussions to address her grief. These sessions gradually reduced in frequency as Mdm L became more adept at managing her emotions independently.

As her therapy progressed, Mdm L began to reengage with life. She started participating in community activities, which helped her rebuild her social connections. Her relationships with family and friends improved as she became less defensive and more open to their support. The nightmares that once plagued her nights began to fade, and she found herself able to sleep more peacefully.

Today, Mdm L meets with her counsellor every two months to check in and reflect on her progress. Though she still misses her son deeply, she has reached a place of acceptance. She is no longer consumed by grief and has learned to find joy in the small moments of everyday life. Mdm L’s journey through counselling has transformed her experience of loss into one of healing and growth, allowing her to embrace the future with renewed strength.