Grief & Bereavement in Grand Rapids, MI & Neighboring Areas
Grief and bereavement aren’t light-hearted topics. Bereavement refers to the process of recovering from the death of a loved one, and grief is a reaction to any form of loss. Both encompass a wide range of emotions such as fear, anger, and deep, deep sadness.
The process of adapting to a loss can dramatically change from person to person, depending on his or her background, beliefs, relationship to the person who’s passed, and other factors. At Second Story Counseling, we off grief & bereavement therapy to clients in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and surrounding areas.
Symptoms of Grief
Grief is a deeply personal experience that affects each person in unique ways. While commonly associated with emotional pain, grief can also cause a wide range of physical and social symptoms. Physically, individuals may experience:
Crying and sighing
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Socially, symptoms can present as:
- Feeling detached from others
- Self-isolation from social contact
- Behaving in ways that are not normal for you
Emotional symptoms may include:
- Feelings of sadness and yearning
- Feelings of worry or anger
- Feelings of frustration or guilt
These symptoms may come and go or appear unexpectedly, making the grieving process feel overwhelming. Understanding the common signs of grief is an important step toward healing and finding support during a time of loss.
Grief is Different for Everyone
Grief is a deeply individual experience that looks different for everyone. While some people express their emotions openly, others may grieve more privately or even appear unaffected. The duration and intensity of grief can vary greatly depending on the relationship with the loss, personal coping style, cultural background, and life circumstances.
Some may feel overwhelming sadness, while others experience anger, guilt, or numbness. There is no “right” way to grieve, and healing doesn’t follow a fixed timeline. What matters most is allowing space for your unique process and seeking support in a way that honors your personal journey through loss.
Choosing Second Story Counseling
Clients choose Second Story Counseling because they feel genuinely supported and understood. Our therapists offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where individuals, couples, and families can work through life’s challenges with confidence. We use evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s unique needs, helping clients find clarity, build resilience, and create lasting change.
Whether navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, or relationship issues, our compassionate team walks alongside clients every step of the way. At Second Story Counseling, your story matters—and healing begins here.
Turn to The Professionals for Help
Every grieving experience is different. A person may be able to continue their day-to-day routine after one loss, yet not be able to get out of bed after the loss of someone else. Whatever your personal symptoms are, grief and bereavement counseling have been proven to help.
If you are experiencing grief-related thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that are distressing, contact us today for a free consultation.