By Elysia Bullen, Registered Counsellor & Psychotherapist

Grief is a natural and deeply human response to loss. It can arise following the death of a loved one, but also in response to other experiences such as relationship endings, health changes, or forms of ambiguous loss. Because grief is so individual, there is no “right” way to experience it, nor a fixed timeline for how long it should last.

For many people, grief shifts and softens over time with the support of personal relationships and internal coping resources. For others, the weight of loss can feel ongoing, overwhelming, or difficult to process alone. This is often when grief counselling Bassendean residents can turn to can provide meaningful support.

Understanding the Nature of Grief

Grief can affect us emotionally, physically, and psychologically. It may show up as sadness, anger, numbness, guilt, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from oneself or others. At times, people may also experience difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep, or a loss of meaning or direction.

Importantly, these responses are not signs that something is “wrong.” They are often reflections of the depth of the loss and the significance of what — or who — has been lost.

Signs You May Benefit from Grief Counselling

While grief does not need to be “fixed,” there are times when additional support can help you process your experience more safely and with greater understanding. You might consider seeking grief counselling if:

• The intensity of your grief feels overwhelming. If emotions feel persistent, consuming, or difficult to regulate, counselling can provide a space to gently explore and contain these experiences.
• You feel stuck or unable to move forward. Difficulty engaging fully in daily life activities that once felt meaningful can be a sign that additional support is needed.
• You are experiencing ongoing guilt, shame, or unresolved emotions. These feelings can weigh heavily and may benefit from compassionate exploration.
• The loss has impacted your sense of identity or meaning. Grief can shake our understanding of who we are and what matters.
• You are navigating ambiguous or non-death loss, such as estrangement, illness, or changes in relationships.
• You feel isolated in your experience. At times, others may not fully understand or know how to respond to your grief. Counselling offers a space where your experience can be seen and held without judgment.

There Is No “Right Time” — Only Your Time

Many people wonder whether they should wait before seeking support, or whether their grief is “serious enough” to warrant counselling. There is no threshold that needs to be met.

Some individuals seek support soon after a loss, while others reach out months or years later when the impact becomes more apparent. Both are valid. Grief can unfold over time, and it is not uncommon for certain aspects of loss to emerge long after the initial event.

What Grief Counselling Can Offer

Grief counselling is not about moving on or leaving the loss behind. Instead, it provides a space to:

• Explore and make sense of your experience of loss
• Express emotions that may feel difficult to share elsewhere within a non-judgemental, non-biased space
• Understand how grief is impacting your thoughts, relationships, and identity
• Develop ways of relating to your grief differently and with compassion
• Integrate the loss into your ongoing life in a meaningful way

The therapeutic relationship itself can offer a sense of steadiness and support during a time that can often feel uncertain.

Grief as a Personal and Evolving Process

Grief does not follow a linear path. It may ebb and flow, soften and intensify, and re-emerge at different points across the lifespan. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but rather an acknowledgment that some experiences are too significant to carry alone.

Reaching Out for Support

Whether your grief feels recent or long-standing, visible or difficult to name, you are not required to carry it alone. Counselling can provide a validating and non-judgemental space for individuals navigating bereavement and ambiguous loss.

If you are currently navigating a recent loss, long-standing or complex grief, or ambiguous loss experiences, The Wellness Place in Bassendean is here to help.

Call The Wellness Place on (08) 9379 3838 or visit our contact page to book an appointment.

Article by Elysia Bullen, Registered Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Perth.