02/05/2026
For today’s Mental Minute we are focusing on “Grief and Loss in Individual and Family Therapy.”Grief is a complex psychological and neurobiological process that can impact emotional regulation, cognition, sleep, and interpersonal functioning. Research consistently shows that grief is not limited to sadness alone, but may present as anxiety, irritability, numbness, guilt, or physical symptoms. When left unsupported, unresolved grief can contribute to prolonged distress and mental health challenges.
Key Insight: Grief does not follow a linear timeline, nor does it resolve simply with the passage of time. Therapeutic support helps individuals make meaning of loss, regulate intense emotional responses, and integrate the loss into their lived experience without becoming overwhelmed by it. This process supports adaptation rather than “moving on.”
Three ways therapy can support grief and loss:
1️⃣ Normalize the grieving process by providing psychoeducation around common emotional, cognitive, and physical responses to loss.
2️⃣ Create a safe space to process emotions that may feel confusing, conflicting, or difficult to express elsewhere.
3️⃣ Support emotional regulation and meaning-making, helping individuals carry the loss in a way that allows for continued growth and connection.
We’ve added a new Grief & Loss page to our website for those seeking more information or support.
🔗 https://www.drnatepsych.com/grief-and-loss
For Further Reference: American Psychological Association. (2023). Grief and Loss. https://www.apa.org/topics/grief
