The Psychological Impact of Grief: Understanding the Journey of Healing
By Dr. Ashley Vieira, LMHC, MHP, CMHS & EMDR Certified & Approved Consultant
Grief is a complex emotional experience that affects individuals in deeply personal ways. It is not just about the loss of a loved one but can also stem from the loss of relationships, roles, identities, and even the expectations we had for our lives. At VCC Health, we recognize that grief is not a singular event but a process—one that impacts mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
The Emotional Landscape of Grief
The psychological experience of grief often follows a non-linear path. While some may experience the widely known stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—grief does not fit neatly into these categories for everyone. Instead, individuals may cycle through various emotions unpredictably. Common emotional responses include:
Sadness and Depression: Feelings of deep sorrow, hopelessness, or emotional numbness.
Anger and Irritability: Frustration towards the situation, oneself, or even the person who is gone.
Anxiety and Fear: Uncertainty about the future, a heightened awareness of mortality, or existential distress.
Guilt and Regret: Wishing things had been different, struggling with unresolved conflicts.
These emotions can lead to complicated grief, where feelings of loss become overwhelming and persistently interfere with daily functioning.
Grief’s Effect on the Body and Mind
Grief does not solely exist in the mind; it manifests in the body as well. Many individuals experience:
Fatigue and Sleep Disruptions – Insomnia or excessive sleep due to emotional exhaustion.
Physical Aches and Pains – Headaches, body aches, and increased vulnerability to illness.
Cognitive Fog – Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, and difficulty making decisions.
These symptoms can mimic those of depression and anxiety disorders, making it essential to seek professional support when grief feels unmanageable.
Coping and Healing Through Therapy
At VCC Health, we emphasize a trauma-informed and attachment-focused approach to grief therapy. Some evidence-based interventions include:
EMDR Therapy: Addressing traumatic grief and reducing distressing emotions linked to loss.
Mindfulness and Somatic Techniques: Helping individuals regulate emotions through breathwork and body awareness.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenging unhelpful thoughts and reframing guilt or regret.
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: For those who seek deeper existential processing in a safe, clinical setting.
Finding Support
Grief is not meant to be carried alone. Community, connection, and compassionate therapy can provide relief. At VCC Health, we offer individual therapy, group support, and psychoeducation to help individuals navigate their unique grief journey.
If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, reach out to VCC Health for support. Healing is possible when we allow ourselves the space to process, honor our loss, and move forward with intention.