The Many Faces of Grief
Grieving Abstract Losses
Many people associate grief with the emotional experience of losing a loved one. While this is true, grief can also arise in more abstract situations. Clients I’ve worked with have grieved the loss of feeling safe in the world after a sexual assault, the loss of identity to an eating disorder, or the absence of the nurturing relationship they deserved but never had with a parental figure. Just because a loss isn’t physical doesn’t make the grieving process any less real.
Why Abstract Grief Matters
Allowing ourselves to grieve intangible losses—like safety, attachment, or identity—validates emotions such as longing, sadness, guilt, and disconnection. Recognizing these emotions helps us understand how the loss has shaped our lives and gives us power over how it influences our future.
Grief and Trauma Work
In trauma work, I’ve seen clients grieve the loss of safety and trust, then gradually transform that pain into resilience. By showing themselves compassion and acknowledging the impact of their experiences, they begin to reclaim their agency and decide how they want to move forward.
Signs You Might Be Grieving Something Less Obvious
Change is inherently difficult to tolerate. Grieving what we’ve lost during times of transition is often necessary in order to heal. If you're feeling stuck, ask yourself:
What has shifted in my life recently?
What might I be grieving as a result?
Are there emotions surfacing that I haven’t fully acknowledged?
How to Move Through It
Give yourself permission to mourn any loss you’ve experienced—even if it doesn’t fit the typical narrative of grief. Tap into your strengths, creativity, and support system as you move through it. Journaling, connection with trusted loved ones, and mindfulness practices can all support the healing process.
And if you need more space to process, therapy can be a powerful resource for working through grief in a safe and validating environment.
Grief Looks Different for Everyone
There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Your process is your own, and your feelings are valid. You don’t need to justify or minimize what you’re experiencing.
Support for the Journey
At Empowering You, we understand that grief can take many forms. Whether you’re mourning a loss that others can’t see or navigating the emotional fallout of trauma, our team is here to help.
If you’re ready for a space where your grief is honored and supported, reach out today to schedule a consultation. You don’t have to carry it alone.
