Grief does not follow a neat timeline. It can follow the death of someone close, the end of a relationship, illness, infertility, job loss, family estrangement, migration, identity change or any major shift in the life you expected to have.
Adjustment difficulties can also arise after stressful or unwanted change. Even when other people think you should be coping, you may feel disoriented, overwhelmed, anxious, numb or unsure how to move forward.
At Darlinghurst Psychologists, we support people experiencing grief, bereavement, life transitions, adjustment stress, relationship loss, identity changes and grief complicated by trauma, anxiety, depression or sleep problems.
What grief and adjustment can feel like
Grief can involve sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, disbelief, regret, poor sleep, low energy, difficulty concentrating, irritability, anxiety about the future or feeling disconnected from others.
There is no correct way to grieve. Your response may be shaped by the relationship, the circumstances of the loss, previous experiences, culture, family expectations and the meaning of what has changed.
Therapy for grief and adjustment
Therapy does not aim to remove grief or rush you through it. It can provide a steady space to process what has happened, understand your reactions and find ways to live with the loss or change.
At Darlinghurst Psychologists, therapy may include supportive counselling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, compassion-focused therapy, mindfulness, problem-solving and support for related anxiety, depression, trauma or sleep difficulties.
Therapy may help you make space for grief, work with guilt or regret, manage difficult reminders, adjust to changes in identity or routine, reconnect with values and identify when grief has become complicated by trauma or depression.
Where grief is linked with a traumatic event or distressing memories, trauma-focused approaches such as EMDR Therapy or Cognitive Processing Therapy may be considered when appropriate.
How Darlinghurst Psychologists can help
At Darlinghurst Psychologists, we approach grief and adjustment with care and patience. Every loss is personal, and support needs to be tailored to your circumstances.
You may also find it useful to read about Depression, Anxiety, Trauma Therapy, Sleep Issues and Relationship Issues.
Common questions about grief therapy
Is grief therapy only for bereavement?
No. Grief can follow many types of loss, including relationship endings, illness, infertility, job loss, family estrangement and major life transitions.
How long should grief last?
There is no single timeline. Therapy can help when grief feels overwhelming, isolating, complicated or difficult to carry alone.
Does therapy make grief go away?
Not usually, and that is not the goal. Therapy can help you understand your grief, cope with its impact and find ways to live meaningfully alongside loss.
What is adjustment difficulty?
Adjustment difficulty refers to emotional or behavioural distress after a significant life change or stressor. It may involve anxiety, low mood, overwhelm or trouble coping.
Can grief affect sleep and concentration?
Yes. Grief can affect sleep, appetite, memory, concentration, energy and emotional regulation.
