Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something significant. It is not just about bereavement – grief can also arise from the loss of relationships, jobs, health, or other meaningful aspects of life. Everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no “right” way to grieve. Some people feel an intense wave of emotions, while others may feel numb or disconnected.
Grief is not just about sadness. It can also involve:
Shock or disbelief – Struggling to accept the reality of the loss
Anger or resentment – Feeling frustrated at circumstances, others, or even the person
Guilt – Wondering if things could have been different or feeling regret
Anxiety or fear – Worrying about life without what was lost or struggling with uncertainty
Relief or peace – Especially if the loss involved suffering or difficulty
Numbness or emptiness – Feeling detached, like the loss hasn’t “hit” yet
Grief doesn’t follow a straight line. Some days may feel better, only for a sudden wave of sadness to return. This is normal.
At The Victorian Psychology Clinic we recognise that grief and loss requires a tailored, evidence-based approach. In line with our values, we aim to work collaboratively with our clients, referrers and other professionals involved in our clients care including general practitioners, other allied health professionals and psychiatrists.
Signs and Symptoms of Grief & Loss:
Grief affects not just emotions but also thoughts, behaviours, and the body. Some common experiences include:
- Emotional distress: Feeling overwhelmed, tearful, or experiencing mood swings.
- Difficulty concentrating: Finding it hard to focus or feeling mentally foggy.
- Changes in sleep and appetite: Sleeping too much or too little, eating more or less than usual.
- Withdrawing from others: Avoiding social situations or feeling disconnected from loved ones.
- Physical symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, or feeling physically heavy.
- Yearning or searching: A deep longing for what was lost, sometimes feeling like the loss isn’t real.
- Guilt or self-blame: Wondering if something could have been done differently.
Grief is deeply personal, and it doesn’t have a set timeline. However, when grief feels overwhelming, prolonged, or begins interfering significantly with daily life, support can be helpful.
How grief can be supported
There is no “fix” for grief, but healing happens through processing emotions, finding ways to adjust, and connecting with support. Therapy can help by:
- Providing a safe space to express emotions without judgment
- Helping to make sense of the loss and its impact on life
- Exploring ways to honour and remember what has been lost
- Developing coping strategies to manage emotional pain
- Addressing feelings of guilt, regret, or unresolved emotions
- Focusing on helping individuals process loss in a way that is meaningful for them.
- Helping individuals move through grief with self-compassion while making space for new meaning in life using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
- Addressing those with persistent and overwhelming grief that doesn't ease over time by providing them with Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT).
- Encouraging mindfulness and self-compassion approaches which encourages the individuals to be present with grief rather than avoid it.
How we can support you
At VPC, we understand that grief is not just about “moving on” – it’s about learning to carry the loss while still living a meaningful life. Our psychologists support individuals experiencing grief and loss by helping them:
- Process emotions in a way that feels safe and manageable.
- Navigate the changes and adjustments that come with loss.
- Develop coping strategies for intense emotions and difficult moments.
- Explore ways to remember and honour what has been lost.
If you are struggling with grief and need support, we are here to help.
We have a number of clinicians who work with eating disorders. To learn more, please refer to our Psychologists page for clinician details.
If you are currently experiencing eating difficulties or body image concerns and would like to begin your journey to recovery, get in touch with us. We are here to help.