Services

Traumatic Bereavement

It is commonly known that certain events, such as a serious car accident, experiencing or witnessing violent behavior, or natural disaster can be traumatic and result in a Post Traumatic Stress reaction. A death that is sudden, unexpected and/or violent can result in reactions that are intense and include trauma as well as grief, regardless of whether or not the traumatic event was witnessed.

The grieving process in these situations is more complex and difficult to navigate. Confusion, disbelief, anger, guilt, shame and isolation are common reactions that are experienced more intensely after these types of losses. Many people feel haunted by images of the death, both during the day and at night. You may re-experience the feelings and emotions of the traumatic event, long after it occurrence.

Professional counseling can help you cope by providing you with knowledge of the effects of trauma and grief, and strategies to manage the impact of trauma. Working through the trauma of the loss first will allow you to mourn and rebuild your life.

Professional counseling can help by:

• Providing a safe place to explore and express your feelings and thoughts
• Providing strategies to help cope with the effects of trauma
• Facilitating the grieving process