Grief

Types of Grief We Help You Navigate at MMHC

At MMHC, we understand that grief can manifest in many different ways, depending on the nature of the loss and the individual experiencing it. Each type of grief is unique, and it’s important to recognize that there is no “right” way to grieve. Below are some of the most common types of grief that we support clients with in our therapy practice. Understanding the different types of grief can help you better navigate your emotions and begin the healing process.

1. Anticipatory Grief

Anticipatory grief occurs when you begin to experience grief before the actual loss happens. This type of grief is often felt when a loved one is facing a terminal illness, or when you know a major life change is coming. You may feel a mix of sadness, anxiety, and fear about the future. Anticipatory grief can be difficult to process, as you’re grieving both the current state and the loss that’s yet to occur. At MMHC, we help you work through these complex emotions, preparing you for the eventual loss while allowing you to cherish remaining moments.

2. Normal Grief

Normal grief, also referred to as "typical" or "common" grief, is the natural response to a significant loss. It can include feelings of sadness, shock, disbelief, anger, guilt, or even relief, and is typically a part of the healing process. Normal grief can last for several months, and people may experience waves of intense emotions as they come to terms with the loss. Our therapists at MMHC will support you in moving through this emotional experience in a healthy, adaptive way, helping you navigate the many facets of your grief while focusing on eventual acceptance and healing.

3. Complicated Grief

Complicated grief, sometimes referred to as prolonged grief, occurs when grief becomes persistent and overwhelming, significantly interfering with daily life. This type of grief may involve intrusive thoughts about the deceased, an inability to accept the loss, and intense emotional pain that doesn’t subside. It’s common to feel stuck in the grief process, unable to move forward or find resolution. MMHC specializes in treating complicated grief with tailored therapies to help individuals process their emotions, accept their loss, and regain a sense of balance and functionality in their lives.

4. Disenfranchised Grief

Disenfranchised grief happens when a person experiences grief that is not socially acknowledged or supported. This type of grief can occur in situations where the relationship with the deceased was not recognized (such as a close friend or a pet) or when the loss is not seen as significant by others (e.g., divorce, miscarriage, or the loss of a job). People experiencing disenfranchised grief may feel isolated, invalidated, or misunderstood. Our therapists provide a supportive space where all forms of grief are acknowledged, and help you work through your feelings, even when others may not fully understand the impact of your loss.

5. Delayed Grief

Delayed grief occurs when the emotional response to a loss is postponed, sometimes for months or even years. The individual may experience a numbing of emotions or push grief aside, often due to fear, avoidance, or the desire to stay strong for others. Eventually, the unresolved grief may resurface with increased intensity. At MMHC, we help you explore why your grief has been delayed and work through the emotions that were suppressed. Our therapists will guide you in addressing the grief when you're ready, helping you process the emotions in a safe and structured way.

6. Masked Grief

Masked grief refers to a situation where a person’s grief is not outwardly visible or is hidden behind other behaviors. Instead of expressing sadness, the individual may exhibit anger, irritability, or unusual behaviors that mask the underlying grief. Sometimes, people don’t recognize that they are grieving and instead experience physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or digestive problems. MMHC therapists can help uncover the hidden layers of grief and guide you through recognizing and expressing the emotions that may have been repressed.

7. Chronic Grief

Chronic grief occurs when a person remains in a constant state of mourning, unable to heal or find emotional relief over time. It is often accompanied by a sense of being “stuck” in the grieving process, where it becomes difficult to move forward or find a sense of closure. Chronic grief can lead to ongoing feelings of sadness, depression, and even hopelessness. MMHC offers specialized therapy to help individuals experiencing chronic grief by providing tools to process emotions, break free from stagnation, and eventually regain joy and meaning in life.

8. Cumulative Grief

Cumulative grief occurs when multiple losses pile up over a short period of time, or when unresolved grief from past losses is compounded with new losses. This can feel overwhelming, as each new loss brings up not only fresh pain but also unresolved emotions from previous experiences. At MMHC, we offer support in addressing each loss individually while also helping you to manage the compounded grief, working toward healing both past and present wounds.

9. Infant or Child Loss Grief

The loss of a child or infant is an extremely painful and unique form of grief. Parents and family members may experience profound sorrow, guilt, and confusion, struggling with feelings of injustice and an overwhelming sense of loss for the future that will never come. At MMHC, we provide a compassionate and understanding space for parents and families to express their emotions, find support, and begin to heal from the intense grief that accompanies such a tragic loss.

10. Pet Loss Grief

Losing a pet can be just as painful as losing a human loved one. Many people develop deep emotional bonds with their pets, and the grief after their passing can be profound. Pet loss grief may be dismissed or minimized by others, but at MMHC, we understand the significance of the loss and the pain it causes. Our therapists provide a safe environment where you can process your emotions, find support, and heal from the loss of your furry friend.

Types of Therapy for Grief at MMHC

At MMHC, we offer a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support you in processing your grief. We understand that no two grief experiences are the same, which is why we tailor our treatments to meet your unique needs. Below are some of the most effective types of therapy that we utilize to help you navigate your journey through loss:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Grief

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established approach that can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may arise as a result of grief. This type of therapy focuses on understanding the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through CBT, we can help you develop healthier ways to cope with distressing feelings, promote positive thinking, and create more adaptive ways of thinking about the loss, allowing you to begin healing and moving forward.

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapy that emphasizes acceptance of difficult emotions, rather than fighting against them. This approach encourages you to be open to the pain of grief, while also identifying personal values and taking committed actions aligned with those values. ACT helps you find meaning and purpose through grief, enabling you to live in a way that aligns with your deepest desires, even in the face of loss.

3. Narrative Therapy

Grief can often disrupt your personal narrative or sense of identity. Narrative Therapy invites you to view your grief experience as part of your story, rather than the defining aspect of it. By re-framing your grief within the larger context of your life, we can help you make sense of the loss while integrating it into your ongoing journey. This therapeutic approach empowers you to take control of your story and find healing through reflection and meaning-making.

4. Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on helping you understand and regulate your emotional experiences during grief. It’s designed to help you access and process complex feelings, like sadness, anger, and guilt, that are often tied to loss. By exploring and working through your emotions, EFT can provide relief, reduce emotional overwhelm, and help you find ways to express your grief in a healthy, constructive manner. It’s particularly useful for those who have difficulty expressing or processing their emotions.

5. Somatic Therapy

Grief can have profound physical effects, causing tension, fatigue, or even chronic pain. Somatic Therapy addresses the mind-body connection and helps you process emotions through body awareness and physical techniques. By focusing on how grief manifests physically, we can help you release stored emotional pain, reduce stress, and promote healing in a holistic way. Somatic Therapy often includes practices such as deep breathing, movement, or gentle touch to release emotional blockages stored in the body.

Contact MMHC today to schedule a consultation and begin your healing journey with the guidance of compassionate professionals who understand the complexity of grief.