What is Grief?
Grief is a natural response of both emotions and the body to loss. It may happen when one loses a loved one, when a marriage breaks up, or when one has lost a job, or they have gone through other life changes. Feeling grief and emotions (sadness, guilt, anger, and loneliness) is a normal condition of things. Grief is discriminatory-both adults and seniors can be affected in a very personal manner.
Types of Grief
Grief exists in a number of forms and no two people deal with loss in the same way. Among the prevalent forms there are:
- Abbreviated Grief
Abbreviated Grief is a mild but temporary grief reaction that heals more quickly than it should after a setback. - Absent Grief
When one experiences problems saying he/she is grieving and the person does not realize that he/she is even grieving. - Acute Grief
Typical powerful feelings of sorrow that occur nonstop after loss and normally cease at the most half a year. - Anticipatory Grief
Grief based on the loss that has not yet happened, which is more often when the loved one is about to die. - Collective Grief
Collective mourning within a group or community of people as seen in the case of a tragedy or the occurrence of a disaster that is public. - Complicated Grief
Grief which is excessive and impacts on the daily roles in life over a long span. - Chronic Grief
Prolonged grief persists without any remission, typically following a significant change or loss. - Cumulative Grief
Stratified grief because of the loss of several people in a couple of a short duration. - Delayed Grief
When the grief is repressed and as a result, it comes out again months or years later. - Disenfranchised Grief
Unrecognized grief, not received by society, is usually because of social stigma or disregard. - Distorted Grief
Grief that is manifested through destructive or socially unacceptable behaviors.
In our Grief Counseling Center of FL, we know that there is no schedule to grief. Our trained counselors offer individual supportive assistance depending on the nature and level of grief that you are experiencing. If you want to make an appointment, call us today.
What are the Normal Symptoms of Grief?
Some of the common grief symptoms are:
- Hopelessness
- Shock, or disbelief
- Irritability or anger
- Guilt and self-blame
- Often feeling sad or crying
- The negative emotions of depression and loneliness
- Problems with concentration or recalling
- Such physical problems as insomnia, fatigue, aches, or a change of appetite

What are the Five Stages of Grief?
The five stages of grief are the theories by the psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her book On Death and Dying. These are the stages:
Denial
It is a coping mechanism whereby people can cope with grief progressively.
Anger
A response to the loss and sense of feeling helpless or unfairness.
Bargaining
Wishful thinking like: things would have been better had only… or, bargaining with the higher power that something can be changed.
Depression
Severe depression which impairs everyday life, and in many cases, requires counseling.
Acceptance
Acceptance of the loss and the initiation of going on with living.
It is necessary to mark out that no person has all the stages or in the same sequence. Grief is something internal.

How Can We Help at Our Grief Counseling Center in Tampa, FL?
Grief counseling is available at Palm Coast Treatment Solutions in Tampa, FL, and addresses each patient individually. If you have experienced a recent loss or you have unresolved grief that weighs in your past, our sensitive staff will assist you to work through your feelings and create healthy coping measures.
We offer:
- One-on-One Grief Counseling
- Family Counseling
- Group Support Meetings
- Collective or Traumatic Loss Counseling
- Help in the Anticipatory funereal Grief or Cumulative Grief
It is not your case to move through the period of mourning on your own. In that space, our trained therapists shall help through sharing, reflection and start the healing process.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
Should you or someone you know be in need of help, due to grief, be aware there are people there to help. At Palm Coast Treatment Solutions in Tampa, FL, we are compassionate, professionally driven care providers to the grieving of every category. Whether it is grief just experienced or a chronic loss, we can help you to heal.
Contact us at (386) 284-4151 or book your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of counseling is best for grief?
Bereavement therapy or grief counseling works best. This can involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy or group counseling to ensure that people work through emotions, learn coping strategies and diminish the severity of grief.
What are the 3 C’s of grief?
The 3 Cs of grief are Choose, connect and Communicate:
- Decide to mourn the way you want to.
- Surround yourself with others who will encourage you.
- Share your emotions so as not to become lonely.
What are the 7 stages of grief called?
The extended 7 stages of grief are:
- Shock and denial
- Pain and guilt
- Anger and bargaining
- Depression
- The upward turn
- Reconstruction
- Acceptance and hope
What is the hardest stage of grief?
Though this depends on the individual, the stage of depression may be regarded as the most challenging one. It may be debilitating and relentless and will influence the entire life of a person.