Therapy for Grief, Loss and Adjustment in Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast QLD

By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast, QLD

Understanding Grief, Loss and Adjustment

Grief is a natural human response to loss. Most people experience grief following the death of a loved one, but grief may also occur after relationship breakdown, illness, injury, loss of independence, changes in health, retirement, relocation, job loss, infertility, or other significant life transitions [1,2].

Although grief can be painful and disruptive, research consistently shows that most people gradually adapt to loss over time without requiring formal psychological treatment [1,3]. Grief is not a mental disorder, and experiencing sadness, longing, emotional pain, tears, anger, guilt, or periods of distress following a significant loss is often a normal and healthy response [1,2].

For some individuals, however, grief becomes prolonged, overwhelming, or associated with significant difficulties in functioning. In these situations, psychological support may help people process the loss, adjust to changed circumstances, and reconnect with meaningful aspects of life [4,5].

When Psychological Support May Be Helpful

Many people benefit from support when grief is complicated by:

• Persistent difficulty adjusting to life after a loss

• Intense emotional pain that remains severe over time

• Significant disruption to relationships, work, study, or daily functioning

• Feelings of hopelessness or loss of purpose

• Social withdrawal and isolation

• Multiple losses occurring within a short period

• Trauma associated with the loss

• Pre-existing mental health difficulties

• Major life transitions requiring significant adjustment

Psychological support is not intended to remove grief. Rather, therapy aims to help people make sense of their experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and adapt to life following loss or major change [4,5].

Common Experiences Following Loss

Grief affects people differently. There is no universally correct way to grieve.

Common experiences may include:

• Sadness and tearfulness

• Longing or yearning for what has been lost

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Emotional numbness

• Anger, guilt, or regret

• Increased anxiety

• Changes in identity or life direction

• Fluctuating emotions that come and go unexpectedly

Many people are surprised to discover that grief often occurs in waves. Some days may feel relatively manageable, while others may feel more difficult. This pattern is generally considered a normal part of the grieving process [1,2].

Therapy for Grief, Loss and Adjustment

Psychological therapy may provide a supportive and structured space to:

• Understand grief and adjustment processes

• Process difficult emotions

• Develop coping strategies

• Navigate changes in identity and roles

• Manage anxiety or depression associated with loss

• Address trauma-related responses when present

• Rebuild routines and daily functioning

• Strengthen social supports

• Explore values, meaning, and purpose following significant change

Therapy is tailored to the individual’s circumstances and goals. Approaches may draw upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), supportive psychotherapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and evidence-based grief interventions where appropriate [4–6].

Adjustment Following Major Life Changes

Not all grief relates to bereavement.

People often experience grief-like reactions following:

• Retirement

• Relationship separation or divorce

• Chronic illness

• Disability or injury

• Changes in physical health

• Becoming a caregiver

• Moving away from familiar environments

• Loss of employment

• Ageing-related changes

Adjustment involves learning to navigate new circumstances while maintaining engagement with important aspects of life. Psychological support may assist people in adapting to these changes and developing confidence in moving forward.

Grief, Loss and NDIS Participants

Many NDIS participants experience significant losses associated with disability, health conditions, changes in functioning, reduced independence, altered life expectations, or major life transitions.

Psychological support may focus on emotional regulation, adjustment, participation, coping skills, maintaining daily functioning, and supporting quality of life where these needs are related to disability and align with NDIS capacity-building goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is grief a mental illness?

No. Grief is generally considered a normal human response to loss. Most people gradually adapt over time without requiring clinical treatment [1,3].

How long does grief last?

There is no standard timeframe. Grief varies considerably between individuals. Many people experience a gradual reduction in distress over time, although feelings of sadness or longing may continue to arise at important anniversaries or reminders of the loss [1].

When should I seek help?

Psychological support may be helpful if grief remains overwhelming, significantly affects daily functioning, or feels difficult to manage independently.

Can therapy make grief disappear?

No. Therapy is not intended to eliminate grief. Instead, therapy helps people understand their experiences, develop coping skills, and adjust to life following loss.

Is telehealth available?

Yes. Appointments are available in person at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast or via telehealth anywhere in Australia.

Related Articles

• Understanding Grief and Loss

• Values, Meaning and Grief

• Continuing Bonds After Loss

• Coping With Major Life Changes

• Adjustment Difficulties Explained

Related Areas of Psychological Support

• Trauma and Stress Disorders

• Sleep and Insomnia

• Emotion Regulation and Behaviour Change

References

[1] Stroebe, M., Schut, H., & Boerner, K. (2017). Cautioning health-care professionals: Bereaved persons are misguided through the stages of grief. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, 74(4), 455–473. https://doi.org/10.1177/0030222817691870

[2] Bonanno, G. A., & Kaltman, S. (2001). The varieties of grief experience. Clinical Psychology Review, 21(5), 705–734. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-7358(00)00062-3

[3] Bonanno, G. A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience. American Psychologist, 59(1), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.59.1.20

[4] Shear, M. K. (2015). Complicated grief. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(2), 153–160. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1315618

[5] Prigerson, H. G., Boelen, P. A., Xu, J., Smith, K. V., & Maciejewski, P. K. (2021). Validation of the new DSM-5-TR criteria for prolonged grief disorder and the PG-13-Revised (PG-13-R) scale. World Psychiatry, 20(1), 96–106. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20823

[6] Johannsen, M., Damholdt, M. F., Zachariae, R., Lundorff, M., Farver-Vestergaard, I., & O’Connor, M. (2019). Psychological interventions for grief in adults. Journal of Affective Disorders, 253, 69–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.04.065