Grief and Bereavement.

Grief and Bereavement

Grief is the natural response to any loss. The passing of a loved one is the most apparent cause of grief, and it is a natural part of life. We will all experience and feel bereavement and grief at some point – and loss is not limited to the passing of someone we care about. We can experience grief from many things, such as divorce, losing a job, the loss of a pet, unexpected traumatic situations, or a loss of a friendship.

These are the Five Stages of Grief that you may experience in no particular order.

  • Denial
  • Anger
  • Bargaining
  • Depression
  • Acceptance

 

Grief is a process unique to every individual. There’s no specific period for how long grief should or shouldn’t last. Additional support may be necessary if a person’s grieving period is prolonged or severe.

If you feel you are not progressing through your grief or are not coping, there is nothing wrong with you. Nor is it a case of ‘you need to pull yourself together and move on.’ You may need assistance from a mental health professional specialising in grief and bereavement to talk to and seek peace and acceptance of your loss. The grieving process can take some time, but you can find internal healing and achieve positive outcomes with new perspectives.

Grief can affect individuals in many ways:

  • Varied levels of sorrow. 
  • Feeling sad or depressed.
  • Feeling unable to move on with living without the person you lost.
  • A significant impact on your work and social life. 
  • Using alcohol or drugs to manage your grief.

Grief is the natural response to any loss. The passing of a loved one is the most apparent cause of grief, and it is a natural part of life. We will all experience and feel bereavement and grief at some point – and loss is not limited to the passing of someone we care about. We can experience grief from many things, such as divorce, losing a job, the loss of a pet, unexpected traumatic situations, or a loss of a friendship.

These are the Five Stages of Grief that you may experience in no particular order.

  • Denial
  • Anger
  • Bargaining
  • Depression
  • Acceptance

 

Grief is a process unique to every individual. There’s no specific period for how long grief should or shouldn’t last. Additional support may be necessary if a person’s grieving period is prolonged or severe.

If you feel you are not progressing through your grief or are not coping, there is nothing wrong with you. Nor is it a case of ‘you need to pull yourself together and move on.’ You may need assistance from a mental health professional specialising in grief and bereavement to talk to and seek peace and acceptance of your loss. The grieving process can take some time, but you can find internal healing and achieve positive outcomes with new perspectives.

How Our Team Can Help

Here are some of the ways that our Unboxed Pride therapists can support you in times of grief and bereavement:

  • Talk therapy. Providing a safe space to talk about your loss can help you process your feelings and emotions.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)  can promote awareness of triggers, negative thought patterns and behaviours that delay the grieving process recovery and acceptance.
  • Traumatic Grief  Therapy examines trauma response to a loss, like when losing a loved one suddenly.   Strategies are provided to assist you in moving safely through your emotions to find closure and peace.
  • With the guidance of your therapist and at your own pace, you can move towards accepting your loss. This doesn’t mean you forget the person you lost – or stop missing them- it means you can live no longer bound by your pain.
  • Develop a plan, set goals and form new connections so you can start to focus on the positive parts of your life now and into the future.  

Our Team Is Here For You.

We are here with you every step of the way and are committed to progress and supporting you in your journey.
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PJ Menon

She/They
Registered Psychologist
LGBTQIA+ member, Non-Binary, Warm and Sensitive
Registered Psychologist
Monday, Tuesday & Friday
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$99.55 (With Medicare Rebate)
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PJ Menon

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (She/They)

I'm warm & empathetic, and love to use humour to develop therapeutic relationships. I value collaboration, and celebrate lived experiences and client wisdom in my work. I'm passionate about walking alongside others as they develop their self-compassion, confidence and identity.    
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Joseph Tighe

He/Him
Registered Psychologist
Male, Parent, Warm and Sensitive
Registered Psychologist
Friday
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$99.55 (With Medicare Rebate)
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Joseph Tighe

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Registered Psychologist (He/Him)

In private practise Joe sees clients from LGBTQIA+ backgrounds be they pre-teen through to adulthood. He is passionate to with clients and their families at various stages of transitioning and offers an accepting, affirming space for all.
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Glenda May

She/Her
Registered Psychologist
Female, Parent, Warm and Sensitive
Registered Psychologist
Mon-Fri
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$99.55 (With Medicare Rebate)
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Glenda May

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (She/Her)

Clients often describe me as warm and inspirational. I have a passion for guiding introspection, facilitating self-discovery, and empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations.    
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Leonard W Kling

He/Him
Clinical Psychologist
Male, LGBTQIA+ member, Warm and Sensitive, Non-religous
Clinical Psychologist
Wednesday
$235.50 (Private Fee)
$98.45 (With Medicare Rebate)
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Leonard W Kling

Clinical Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

 Clinical Psychologist (He/Him) 

I’m a very positive, compassionate and respectful person. While making every effort to genuinely understand the unique challenges that can be faced, I’ll always create a welcoming and safe space to build future goals and work with you to develop positive change and growth.
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Tasha Turner

She/They
Senior Counsellor
LGBTQIA+ member, Gender Queer, Spiritual, Non-religious, Confident, Warm and Sensitive
Senior Counsellor
Monday – Sunday
Individual Sessions: $130
Couples: $230
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Tasha Turner

Senior Counsellor
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Senior Counsellor (She/They)

As a proud gender Queer, pansexual, neurodivergent Counsellor, and chronic pain battler, I am excited to be part of this tailored support service. My purpose is to guide clients in exploring their true selves, embracing their differences and living authentically  
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Mark Podesta

He/Him
Registered Psychologist (GradDip & Postgrad Dip - Psychology)
LGBTQIA+ member, Male, Spiritual, Warm and Sensitive
General Psychologist (GradDip and Postgrad Dip -Psych)
Saturday
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$99.55 (With Medicare Rebate)
  $230 – Couples Counselling
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Mark Podesta

Registered Psychologist (GradDip & Postgrad Dip - Psychology)
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (He/Him)

I'm a warm, caring, approachable person. I'll be guided by your strengths, needs and circumstances; empowering you to be able to create positive changes, cope with challenges and difficulties, and improve your overall wellbeing.    
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Keith Kulda

He/Him
Counsellor
Confident, LGBTQIA+ member, Tough but Comforting, Male
Counsellor
Wed & Thurs
$130
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Keith Kulda

Counsellor
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

 Counsellor (He/Him)

My counselling approach is person-centred and focused on developing strong therapeutic partnerships and meet clients where they are. I am a proud gay man of colour with a practice motivated on helping clients with personal growth and making self-rewarding change.  
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Nicole Vanderkroef

She/Her
Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist
LGBTQIA+ member, Female, Spiritual, Non-religious, Parent, Warm and Sensitive, Confident
Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
$130
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Nicole Vanderkroef

Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist (She/Her)

I am a qualified clinical counsellor and psychotherapist with over 10 years working with adults, children and families. I have a warm, open and patient approach -- and some very broad shoulders  
https://unboxedpride.com.au/