Is what I'm feeling normal?

In most cases, yes.

Grief can affect us in ways we don't always expect. Alongside sadness, you might experience anger, guilt, anxiety, loneliness, confusion, numbness, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, or a sense that life no longer feels quite the same.

Everyone's experience of grief is different, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. What you're experiencing may feel unfamiliar or overwhelming, but that doesn't mean there's something wrong with you.

Grief is a natural response to loss, and whatever you're feeling, you don't have to face it alone.

How long does grief last?

There is no set timeline for grief.

Many people feel pressure to "move on" or wonder if they should be feeling differently by now. The reality is that grief doesn't follow a schedule, and everyone's experience is unique.

Over time, the intensity of grief often changes, but the impact of a significant loss can remain with us in different ways throughout our lives.

Rather than getting over a loss, many people find they gradually learn how to carry it and make space for life alongside it.

Do I need counselling to cope with grief?

Not everyone needs counselling after a loss.

Many people find support through family, friends, faith communities, or simply through time and personal reflection.

However, grief can sometimes feel overwhelming, isolating, or difficult to make sense of on your own. Counselling offers a dedicated space where you can talk openly about your experience, without worrying about upsetting others or feeling judged.

You don't need to be in crisis to seek support. Sometimes people come simply because they want somewhere to be heard and understood.

Can counselling help if my loss happened years ago?

Absolutely.

Grief doesn't always follow the timeline we expect. Sometimes people seek counselling shortly after a loss, while others reach out months or even years later.

You may have spent a long time focusing on other people, coping with practical responsibilities, or simply trying to get through each day. It isn't unusual for feelings connected to a loss to surface much later.

Whatever has brought you here, it's never too late to explore the impact a loss has had on your life.

Can I have counselling for a relationship breakdown or other life change?

Yes.

Grief isn't limited to bereavement.

We can also experience grief following the end of a relationship, family changes, fertility difficulties, health challenges, retirement, redundancy, moving away from a place we love, or any significant change that alters the life we expected to have.

Any loss that feels important to you deserves care and attention. You don't need to justify your grief for it to matter.

What if I don't want to talk about the person I've lost?

That's completely okay.

Some people want to talk in detail about the person they've lost, while others prefer to focus on how life has changed, how they're coping, or what they're struggling with right now.

There is no expectation that you talk about anything before you're ready. Counselling is your space, and we will work with whatever feels most helpful for you.

You remain in control of what you choose to share.

What if I cry during sessions?

Crying is always welcome.

Many people worry about becoming emotional during counselling, but tears are a natural response to difficult experiences and strong emotions.

There is no need to apologise or hold things together in our sessions. You will be given the time and space you need.

And if you don't cry, that's okay too. Grief shows itself in many different ways, and there is no right way to express what you're feeling.

Can grief cause anxiety or panic?

Yes, it can.

Grief affects both our emotional and physical wellbeing. Some people notice increased anxiety, panic attacks, racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, feeling on edge, or a sense that they can no longer cope in the way they once did.

Loss can make the world feel less predictable and secure, which can naturally increase feelings of anxiety.

If you're experiencing anxiety alongside grief, you're not alone, and it's something we can gently explore together.

Can I have online grief counselling?

Yes.

I offer online grief and loss counselling for adults across the UK.

Online sessions provide a private, confidential space where you can access support from the comfort of your own home. Many people find it easier to talk about difficult experiences when they are in familiar surroundings and don't need to travel to an appointment.

All you need is a quiet space, a reliable internet connection, and somewhere you feel comfortable talking.

Can I talk about other things as well as grief?

Absolutely.

Loss often affects many areas of life.

Alongside grief, people may want to explore anxiety, stress, relationships, confidence, identity, life changes or other personal challenges.

The sessions are shaped around what feels most important to you.