Death, war and displacement, emigration, loss of safety and innocence as a result of childhood trauma, rejection, aging, break-ups, friendship endings, abortion, suicide, transitions, a friend or family member's incarceration, losing a beloved pet/animal companion, divorce, giving up an addictive behavior, change in medical status, ability or mobility, estrangement - these are just a few examples of the many kinds of loss one can experience in their lifetime.  

How one experiences their grief is colored by the intersection between one's history (personal and intergenerational), culture, identities, and the systems and institutions that surround them.  While some losses are openly witnessed and honored by those around us, others are 'disenfranchised'—carried in silence because they aren't fully recognized or validated by others.

It is not uncommon for for a person to worry that they may not be grieving the “right” way,  or to feel confused by their internal experience. Some worry that feeling numb or dissociated from what has happened means they don’t care about what was lost.  Others may feel there has been no impact at all, and are eager to move on. Whatever your personal experience may be, it is unique to you, and that’s where we can start.