Grief

Grief is the natural, multifaceted response to loss, encompassing emotional, cognitive, physical, and social reactions. Unlike a clinical disorder, grief is viewed as a universal human experience and a process of adaptation rather than a problem to be "fixed." Counselors distinguish between Normal Grief, which involves a gradual movement toward integration of the loss, and Prolonged Grief Disorder, where intense yearning and emotional distress persist for at least a year (or six months for children) and significantly impair daily functioning. The focus of counseling is to help the individual navigate these stages or "tasks" of mourning, honoring their unique cultural and personal context while facilitating a healthy transition to life after the loss.