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Grief, Loss, and Bereavement: Understanding Your Journey
Experiencing grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming process that follows the loss of a loved one or significant life change. At Central Minds, we are here to provide support and guidance as you navigate this challenging time.
What is Grief?
Grief is a natural response to loss, encompassing a range of emotions that can include sadness, anger, confusion, and even relief. It is not just limited to the death of a loved one; grief can also arise from the end of a relationship, loss of a job, or other significant life changes. Each person’s experience of grief is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
What Are the Symptoms Associated with Grief and Bereavement?
Grief manifests differently for everyone, but some common symptoms include:
Emotional Symptoms
Sadness: Intense feelings of sorrow and despair.
Anger: Frustration directed at yourself, others, or the situation.
Guilt: Feeling remorseful about things left unsaid or undone.
Physical Symptoms
Fatigue: A sense of exhaustion that can accompany emotional distress.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Changes in Appetite: Eating too much or too little as a response to feelings.
Cognitive Symptoms
Confusion: Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Preoccupation with the Loss: Constantly thinking about the person who has died or the circumstances surrounding the loss.
These feelings may come and go, and it’s normal for them to fluctuate over time.
How Do I Know If I Need Grief Therapy?
You might benefit from grief counselling if you notice:
- You’re navigating a significant loss. Grief counselling provides a dedicated space to process your feelings after losing a loved one, experiencing a major life change, or facing other meaningful losses. Having support during this natural process can be deeply valuable.
- You’d like additional support for your unique grief journey. Everyone experiences grief differently, and counselling offers personalised guidance that honours your individual needs, cultural background, and relationship with the loss.
- You’re seeking healthy ways to express your feelings. Grief involves complex emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Counselling provides tools and strategies to express these feelings in ways that support your healing process.
- Your day-to-day activities feel different. Changes in sleep, energy levels, or interest in usual activities are natural responses to loss. Counselling can help you navigate these changes while developing self-care practices that support your wellbeing.
- You’re interested in finding meaning and moving forward. Counselling can help you integrate your loss into your life story in a meaningful way, while discovering how to honour connections with what you’ve lost as you move forward.
- You’d like to connect with others who understand. Grief can sometimes feel isolating. Counsellors can help you find supportive communities and resources that resonate with your experience.
Remember that seeking grief counselling isn’t about “fixing” grief—it’s about finding compassionate support for a natural human experience. Many people find that even a few sessions provide valuable perspective and practical tools for their healing journey.
What Does Our Grief Therapy Include?
While grief is a natural process that many people can navigate on their own, professional support can be beneficial, especially if grief becomes overwhelming or prolonged.
Our grief therapists can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings and work through your grief focusing on helping you process your emotions and find ways to cope with your loss.
| One-on-One Support | Private sessions with a grief therapist who listens to your feelings and helps you find ways to cope. |
| Crisis Help | Quick appointments when grief feels overwhelming and you need immediate support. |
| Daily Life Assistance | Practical help with decisions and routines that feel difficult after losing someone. |
| Understanding Grief | Simple information about what to expect during the grieving process. |
| Memory Activities | Ways to honour and remember your loved one that bring comfort. |
| Ongoing Care | Support that continues as needed, especially during difficult times like anniversaries. |
With someone who understands grief can provide relief. There’s no wrong time to seek support.
Our Experienced Grief & Loss Counsellors in Hong Kong
Dr. Melissa Chan
Clinical Psychologist
Specialises in depression, anxiety, grief and underlying issues such as low self-worth, perfectionism, self-criticism, shame & guilt
Dr. Chan is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, who has worked in the field of mental health taking up clinical and research roles in the community and academic settings for ten years. She is experienced in treating people with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, who specialises in working with people who are highly self-critical and have highly sensitive traits. She also works with people who are struggling with low self-esteem, stress, grief and bereavement, adjustment difficulties and those affected by developmental trauma.
Dr. Karen Wai Liem
Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, and Aviation Psychologist
Specialises in complex trauma, relational issues, persistent mood difficulties and feelings of inadequacy or emptiness
Dr. Liem is a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, and Aviation Psychologist based in Hong Kong. She provides psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, and couples facing psychological or relational challenges. With over 15 years of clinical experience in Hong Kong and overseas, she has worked in diverse settings.
Bhavna Bharvani
Clinical Counsellor Relationship Counsellor
Specialises in working with individuals, couples and LGBTQIA+ folks on healing from trauma, improving relationships, building emotional resilience and overcoming self-limiting beliefs.
Bhavna is a US-trained Licensed Professional Clinical Counsellor, registered with the California Board of Behavioural Sciences (LPCC 10182). She started out practicing in San Francisco, where she worked with individuals, couples, teenagers, and LGBTQIA+ folks with chronic and complex trauma. She worked across a range of settings including community mental health, schools, and residential substance use treatment centres.
Jill Carroll
UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Transactional Analyst (P), MBACP Counsellor and; EMDR Practitioner
Specialises in working with clients to understand how their past experiences can impact their present day life
Jill is a UK trained Psychotherapist who has recently relocated back to London after working in Hong Kong for 5 years. As well as her own successful private practice in London (2012-2019) she has experience of working in the NHS in an IAPT service and in a London Hospital in Women’s Health, gynaecological oncology team as a Psychotherapist.
Meet Our Full List Of Counsellors Here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Grief, Loss and Bereavement
How long does grief last?
Grief is highly individual; there is no set timeline for how long it should last. While many people begin to feel better after several months, others may experience grief for years. It’s important to allow yourself the time you need to heal.
What is complicated grief?
Complicated grief occurs when the symptoms of grief persist for an extended period and interfere with daily functioning. This may include difficulty moving forward with life, or avoidance of reminders of the loss. If you feel stuck in your grief for more than six months, consider getting in touch with us to speak to one of our grief counsellors.
Do you offer grief support in languages other than English?
Yes. We have therapists who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and several other languages to ensure you can express your feelings comfortably.
