Grief and loss are natural responses to losing someone or something important. That loss might be a death, separation, illness, miscarriage, change in health, loss of role, or another major life disruption. Grief affects everyone differently and does not follow a fixed timetable.1
At Mind Health, we support people in Parramatta and Sydney who are struggling with grief, bereavement, or major loss. Therapy is not about rushing you to “move on.” It is about helping you cope, function, and make sense of what has happened in a way that feels respectful and realistic.
Important: Grief is not something you are supposed to “get over” on a schedule. Seeking support does not mean you are grieving the wrong way. It means you may need help carrying something very heavy.
Signs & Symptoms
Grief can affect emotions, thinking, sleep, appetite, and day-to-day functioning. Common experiences include:1
- intense sadness, longing, or waves of emotion
- shock, numbness, disbelief, or feeling emotionally flat
- anger, guilt, regret, or self-blame
- difficulty sleeping, appetite changes, or feeling physically drained
- poor concentration, mental fog, or feeling disconnected from normal routines
- withdrawing from people or activities
- anniversary reactions or strong responses to reminders of the loss
- feeling that daily responsibilities are much harder than usual
Causes
Grief follows loss, and not all loss looks the same. It may arise after:1
- the death of a loved one
- separation, divorce, or relationship breakdown
- a serious diagnosis, disability, or change in health
- pregnancy loss, infertility, or loss linked to family change
- retirement, job loss, relocation, or loss of identity or role
- a traumatic loss, which can make grief feel more overwhelming or prolonged
Sometimes grief also overlaps with depression, anxiety, trauma, or burnout. That does not mean the grief is “wrong,” but it can mean extra support is needed.
Our Approach to Grief & Loss Support
At Mind Health, grief support is paced and person-centred. Some people need a space to process what has happened. Others need help functioning again, coping with anniversaries, or working through guilt, trauma, or complicated family responses.
Grief-Informed Counselling
Therapy can provide a structured space to talk about the loss, the meaning of the relationship, and the ways your life has changed. This can be especially helpful if you feel isolated or unable to talk openly elsewhere.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT can help people make room for grief without feeling consumed by it, while slowly reconnecting with values, relationships, and day-to-day life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT may be useful when grief is becoming entangled with persistent guilt, hopelessness, anxiety, or unhelpful thinking patterns that are making adjustment harder.
Complicated or Traumatic Grief Support
Where grief is prolonged, traumatic, or highly disruptive, treatment can include more focused support for trauma responses, avoidance, and persistent distress.
Tips on Managing Grief & Loss
- Take life one day at a time. Grief often makes long-range thinking feel impossible, so smaller time frames can be more manageable.
- Protect basic routines. Eating, sleeping, showering, and getting outside still matter when you are grieving.
- Accept support. Even practical help can reduce pressure when everything feels heavier than usual.
- Create ways to remember. Rituals, letters, photos, or quiet reflection can help maintain connection and meaning.
- Seek help if you feel stuck or unsafe. If grief is severely disrupting life or you are having thoughts of self-harm, get professional support promptly.
What to Expect
Your first appointment will usually focus on the loss itself, how you have been coping, what feels most difficult right now, and whether grief is overlapping with depression, trauma, anxiety, or sleep problems. There is no expectation that you need to tell your story in a particular way.
Sessions are typically 50 to 60 minutes. Some people need short-term support around a particular period of grief, while others benefit from longer work where the loss is traumatic, prolonged, or affecting identity and functioning more deeply.
If coming in person feels too hard because of exhaustion, caring duties, or distance, telehealth may also be suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if what I am feeling is grief or depression?
Grief and depression can overlap. Grief often involves waves of sadness linked to a particular loss, while depression may involve a more persistent loss of hope, motivation, and pleasure. If you are unsure, assessment can help clarify what support is most appropriate.
How long is grief supposed to last?
There is no universal timeline. The intensity often changes over time, but grief does not follow a fixed schedule.
When should I seek help for grief?
Support is worth considering if grief is making day-to-day life very hard, if you feel stuck for a long time, if the loss was traumatic, or if you are becoming increasingly isolated or unsafe.
Is it okay to seek therapy even if the loss happened a long time ago?
Yes. People often seek help months or years later, especially when a loss continues to affect relationships, functioning, identity, or anniversaries.
What if I am having thoughts of not wanting to be here?
If you are in immediate danger or cannot stay safe, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department. You can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Griefline on 1300 845 745.
Further Reading
Get Started
If you or someone you care about is struggling with grief & loss, our experienced psychologists at Mind Health in Parramatta and Sydney are here to help.
1300 084 200Book AppointmentMake a Referral
References
- Lifeline Australia (2024). Grief and loss support. lifeline.org.au
- Healthdirect Australia (2023). Grief and bereavement. healthdirect.gov.au