When Do You Need Grief Counselling?
If grieving has taken control of your day-to-day life and left you without the ability to cope with daily demands, then finding the necessary help through grief counselling is crucial. Grief counselling can help you identify your issues and help you recover.
If you have had to deal with a major loss, then the grief that follows is a normal emotion to experience. Any type of loss can trigger sadness and grief including the loss of a job, the death of a family member, the demise of a pet or a move that takes you away from familiar surroundings. Acceptance of the loss and moving forward through the grief process is what allows you to cope and heal emotionally.
Grief is a double-edged sword because it makes us more aware of what we still have to be thankful for in the midst of the sadness that results from an important loss. The most important fact to remember is that you have to accept the situation before you can begin the process of emotional healing.
Grieving for a loss is a normal and natural reaction, and is simply an extension of our human feelings and emotions. This type of suffering is very painful, and very personal. People will grieve intensely when they have to face the death of a loved one, but many individuals also experience grief when they:
- Give up on an important goal, or a long-anticipated dream
- Face a serious illness
- End a relationship
- Lose their financial assets
- Move out of their parental home for the first time
Grief can also manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches, GI upsets, vague aches and pains or loss of appetite. These symptoms should resolve with time; if not, grief counselling is indicated.
Can Grief Counselling Help You?
Read our more extensive article on Grief and Recovery on our blog to learn about the five stages of grief, grief counselling, and how counselling can help you heal emotionally.
If you are looking for help, whether for yourself or for a loved one, our psychologists can assist in exploring underlying issues through therapy. Please visit our practitioners’ page to find out more, or call (03) 9820-5577 for an appointment or to make enquiries.
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- Grief and Recovery
- Loss
If you are looking for help, whether for yourself or a loved one, our psychologists can assist in exploring underlying issues through therapy. Please visit our practitioners’ page to find out more, or call (03) 9820-5577 for an appointment or to make enquiries.
Psychologists at the Centre for Emotion Focused Practice

Rebecca Carlson
Registered Psychologist & Clinical Registrar
I work to create strong, supportive relationships, which allow people to explore their experiences and struggles in a safe and non-judgmental space. I provide intervention that is collaborative and tailored to each person’s individual goals.

Laura Knox
Psychologist
I am a registered psychologist with an interest in providing high-quality therapeutic care in a safe and supportive environment. I work collaboratively with people to help address life stressors, improve psychological health and develop a more fulfilling life.

Susanne Goldie
Psychologist
I work with a wide range of individuals in a non-judgemental, holistic way to understand each person’s unique circumstances and support them in achieving their goals. I work with people of all ages.

Oliver Santiago
Registered Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Registrar
My experience as a Counsellor and Psychologist has spanned a period of 12 years, many of which have been within the community, organisational, educational and hospital sectors. This myriad of experiences has undoubtedly shaped my approach in how I listen and understand people’s difficulties.

Joan Hamilton Roberts
Counselling Psychologist & Psychodramatist
I have worked with individuals & couples for over 20 years. I help people rediscover forgotten perspectives & create new visions.
Geoff Newbegin
Counselling Psychologist & Psychotherapist
I am an experienced counsellor and psychologist with over 15 years of experience, which includes a wide range of clinical experience.
Christine Hayes
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
I provide psychological therapy services for adults, including parents, and for adolescents.
Saturday Appointments
Novi Sutanto
Psychologist
I believe in using curiosity and compassion when connecting with people, both inside, and out of, the therapy room.
Saturday Appointments

Matt Borowik
Psychologist
I am a supportive and compassionate person who believes that openness, collaboration and human connection is essential to positive outcomes in therapy.