Are you struggling with grief after losing someone or something important in your life? Perhaps you're finding it difficult to adjust to life after a bereavement, the end of a relationship or another significant loss.
I'm Mel, a counsellor based in Tauranga. I offer compassionate grief and bereavement counselling for people experiencing loss, sadness and difficult life changes.
I understand that grief is deeply personal. There is no right way to grieve, and no particular timeline you should follow.
My aim is to provide a warm, safe and non-judgemental space where you can talk about your experiences, express your feelings and find your own way forward.
Grief can take many different forms
We often associate grief with the death of someone we love, but feelings of loss can arise from many different experiences.
You may be grieving:
- The death of a loved one: Coping with the loss of a partner, family member, friend or someone else important to you.
- The end of a relationship: Experiencing sadness, loneliness or uncertainty following separation or divorce.
- Pregnancy loss: Navigating the emotional impact of miscarriage or other experiences of pregnancy loss.
- Changes in health: Adjusting to a diagnosis, illness or changes in your physical abilities.
- Major life changes: Grieving the loss of a familiar way of life, a sense of security or hopes you had for the future.
- Other personal losses: Experiences that may not always be recognised by others but still have a significant emotional impact.
Whatever your circumstances, your grief deserves to be acknowledged and understood.
In counselling, we can explore what you've lost, how it's affecting you and what support may be helpful.
Understanding your experience of grief
Grief can bring many different and sometimes conflicting emotions.
You may experience sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, loneliness or emotional numbness. Some days you might feel able to manage everyday life, while on others even small tasks can feel overwhelming.
You may also find that people around you expect you to move on before you feel ready.
I believe that grief isn't something you need to get over according to someone else's expectations.
Everyone experiences loss differently, and there is no fixed sequence of emotions or stages that you must work through.
My approach is to meet you where you are, respecting your feelings and the significance of what you've experienced.
Finding meaning through Narrative Therapy
I have experience supporting people through grief and loss, and often draw on Narrative Therapy in my counselling work.
When someone or something important is no longer part of our lives in the same way, it can affect our sense of identity, purpose and connection.
Narrative Therapy offers an opportunity to explore the stories, memories and meanings connected to your loss.
This may involve reflecting on the relationship you shared with someone, acknowledging what they meant to you or exploring how an important experience has shaped your life.
Rather than trying to forget what you've lost, we can look at ways of honouring its significance while gradually finding meaning in what comes next.
I believe that remembering and moving forward don't have to be opposites.
Coping with difficult emotions and everyday life
Grief can affect your sleep, concentration, relationships and ability to manage everyday responsibilities.
You may feel exhausted, disconnected or uncertain about how to continue with ordinary routines.
Sometimes grief is accompanied by anxiety, guilt or feelings of depression, particularly when a loss has changed your circumstances or sense of security.
In counselling, I offer space to explore these emotions without judgement.
We can also look at practical ways of coping with daily challenges, recognising your needs and finding support during difficult periods.
My approach is gentle and guided by you. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you feel comfortable.
Finding your way forward after loss
Living with loss doesn't necessarily mean leaving the past behind.
For some people, moving forward involves learning to carry the memories and emotions associated with what they've lost while gradually reconnecting with life.
For others, it may involve adjusting to a new identity, finding different sources of meaning or rebuilding confidence after a major change.
I don't believe there is one correct path through grief.
Together, we can explore what your loss means to you, recognise the strengths that have helped you through difficult experiences and consider what moving forward might look like in your circumstances.
My aim is to support you in finding a way of living with your loss that feels meaningful and manageable.
Grief counselling in Tauranga and online
I offer grief, loss and bereavement counselling in Tauranga, as well as online counselling for people who prefer to attend sessions remotely.
Whether your loss is recent or something you've been carrying for many years, you're welcome to get in touch.
You don't need to know exactly what to say or what you hope to achieve. We can begin by talking about what you're experiencing and what matters most to you.
Would you like to know more or make an appointment? Please feel free to contact me.
Mel
Counsellor
Registered with NZAC
