Mental Health Specialties
Grief and Loss
Grief and Loss — Symptoms can include:
Intense sadness, emotional pain, or feeling empty
Difficulty accepting the loss or feeling emotionally numb
Preoccupation with the person or the circumstances of the death
Withdrawing from others or avoiding reminders of the loss
Losing interest in work, hobbies, or relationships
Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or general fatigue
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or even wishing you could be with the person who died (with or without intent to harm yourself)
Understanding Grief and Loss
Loss can be viewed as any event that activates a grief response. Loss can be tangible, like a death, divorce, or job loss, or intangible, such as a loss of identity, safety, or sense of purpose.
Grief is the emotional reaction following a loss. Grief may include emotional, physical and behavioral changes. Grief is a normal and expected experience following a loss.
Types of Grief and Loss
At Apis Mental Health & Grief Counseling PLLC, we recognize that grief comes in many forms—and all are valid. Here are some types of grief that we support:
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A natural response to loss, which may include sadness, anger, confusion, or emotional numbness.
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Grief that begins before a loss happens, such as during a terminal illness.
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When grief feels stuck or overwhelming and doesn’t ease with time.
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Grief that isn’t widely acknowledged—like grieving an ex, a miscarriage, or a pet.
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Grieving someone or something that’s still here physically, but is emotionally or relationally lost, such as:
Divorce or separation
Job loss or financial instability
Estrangement from a loved one
Relocation or military deployment
Loss of health or independence
Infertility or miscarriage
Watching someone you love struggle with addiction or mental illness
Watching someone you love struggle with dementia or other disease
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When several losses happen close together, making it hard to fully process each one.
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When grief shows up later—sometimes weeks, months, or even years after a loss.
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When grief expresses itself through other issues, like physical symptoms or unexpected behaviors.
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Grief tied to a sudden, violent, or unexpected death, such as suicide or an accident.
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The additional losses that follow a major one, such as changes in routine, identity, or relationships.
Grief and Loss —
Support Services
At Apis Mental Health & Grief Counseling PLLC, we believe that every loss is deeply personal—and every story deserves to be honored. Jen’s approach to grief work is rooted in the teachings of world-renowned grief expert David Kessler, who reminds us:
“Your grief is the worst grief.”
This perspective is central to our work. Here, grief is never measured or compared. Your experience is personal and it stands on its own—valid, complex, and worthy of care.