Grief Counselor Near Me: Tools for Grief & Loss
If you’ve ever typed “grief counselor near me” into a search bar, you know how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step. Grieving is personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are practical strategies to help you navigate this journey.
Hi, I’m Randi Cutler Hall, a licensed therapist and grief counselor. Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals searching for guidance and support during their most difficult times.
Below are some of the most helpful tips to support you, as you navigate loss.
Don’t be alone – find community.
Grief can feel isolating, but even when it feels like no one can understand what you’re going through, the best way to move through grief is actually to be able to share your feelings.
(Just pause for a minute. How does it feel to imagine shaking loose your grief in a raw, honest way – to imagine getting the scream out, or releasing the tears, or unleashing the anger… and to do it with someone you trust, someone with whom you can finally just let it all go?)
Whether it’s with friends, family, or local support groups, being in community provides comfort. Surrounding yourself with people who "get it" can make the grief and emotions feel calmer, and less overwhelming.
If you’ve been searching for “grief support near me,” you’re on the right path.
Check out monthly Dip in the Darkness grief circles that allow you a safe space to have all of those feelings witnessed.
Give Yourself Permission to Feel
Take a breath and slow down. Let your feelings catch up with you. Spend some time each day just tapping into how you feel – even if that means feeling really shitty or having a good cry.
Here’s the thing! – When you run or avoid a feeling, there’s all this pent up pressure inside you from trying to avoid it.
On the other hand – when you finally take a deep breath and allow yourself to accept your feelings – those feelings move over you like a wave and subside on their own.
When grief arises in a random moment – like when you’re pushing a shopping cart in Target with a baby on your hip and shopping list in one hand, and you suddenly see a brand of coffee that reminds you of your grandmother – take a breath. Instead of trying to shove down that pain, let that wave of emotion sweep over you.
When you’re with friends at a bar and a familiar song brings back strong memories, be in those feelings for a moment. Maybe you could even say to your friends, “Wow, this song just came on and really reminds me of my ex.”
The more you let that feeling just arise and move through you, the smoother (and frankly quicker) it subsides and can then lead to catharsis.
You may be surprised how much lighter you feel, and readier to take on your day, once you let those tears flow.
Practice Naming and Labeling Each Feeling
Here’s a challenge for you: When grief strikes, practice naming & labeling each feeling as it comes up.
The reason this matters is because something happens when you identify your feelings: You take back your power. When you know what you're dealing with, you can feel less overwhelmed… and more grounded.
You may find that just saying to yourself, “Okay, this is anger … I’m feeling angry today” – gives you the grounding you need to be with that feeling from a more solid place.
So the next time you feel like clawing out of your own skin or having a spontaneous cry: take a deep breath and check in with yourself: What is this feeling that you are experiencing?
Is it rage? Anger? Resentment? Loneliness? Grief for something that you are missing, or even grief for something you never had?
Name that feeling. Write it down, say it aloud. Say it to a friend.
You may be surprised to find how much more power and groundedness you feel, when you can take ownership of what you’re feeling.
Finding a Grief Counselor Near You… Starts here.
Did you find these tips helpful?
If you’re ready to take the next step in getting support for your grief, download my free grief guide or schedule a consultation today.
You don’t have to do this alone—I’m just a click away.