Grief counselling in Dorset
In-person counselling in Blandford, covering Poole, Weymouth, Dorchester and Wimborne, and online across Dorset
You may be coming to counselling feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure why things feel the way they do. In counselling, this can show up in different ways for different people, and often develops over time through life experiences, stress, or difficult periods.
Grief can sometimes be linked to experiences of loss, and may overlap with depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Grief and loss
Grief can come from many different experiences, losing a loved one, a pet, a relationship, a job, or children leaving home. These changes can feel devastating, disorienting, and lonely.
Grief is often complex. It can bring up feelings that take you by surprise, such as anger, guilt, or confusion. You may feel numb or disconnected from your emotions and not understand why. Some people feel overwhelmed and tearful, while others struggle to cry at all.
Grief can also affect the body. You might notice changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels. For some, grief resurfaces long after a loss, sometimes unexpectedly. Whatever your experience, these responses are a natural part of loss, and it’s understandable if it feels overwhelming.
Grief of On-Off Relationships
Grief can also arise from ongoing or complicated relationships that feel unresolved or painful. These experiences can be confusing and difficult to make sense of. You may find you lose a sense of yourself, feeling on edge, anxious, blaming yourself, even scared, but not fully knowing why or how to stop.
You may find yourself returning to the relationship for temporary relief, only to feel things remain unchanged or even become more difficult. This can feel like a cycle that is hard to break, even when part of you knows it isn’t helping.
Grief in these situations can spill into everyday life, affecting work, finances, concentration, and routines. It may also bring feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame, especially if the situation is ongoing or hard to talk about. These patterns can build quietly over time, and simply noticing them can be an important first step toward understanding your experience.
Emergency/Crisis support between sessions
If you are experiencing difficulties and feel you need additional support, you may find these contact numbers and information useful (other services available)
NHS 111
Non-emergency enquiries
Your GP during surgery hours
Who can explore underlying physical health conditions that may relate to mental health difficulties and may be able to refer to specific NHS, council, or charities for specialist support to match individual needs.
Samaritans 116 123
Anonymous service for anyone in distress or feeling suicidal.
Anxiety UK 03444 775 774
A charity specialising in anxiety and related mental health illnesses that can offer counselling, helpline service and an array of information and advice.
Papyrus Hopeline UK 0800 068 41 41
Suicide prevention for young people up to the age of 35
Sane 0300 304 7000 4.30-10.30 pm
For anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers
Shout 85258
A free confidential 24/7 text service for anyone who feels they are not coping, suffering from anxiety, stress, depression, overwhelmed feelings or suicidal
Calm 0800 58 58 585 pm-midnight
The charity aims to prevent male suicide.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need urgent support, call 999 or contact your local Emergency Department/ A & E.
How I Work With The Nervous System
Working with the nervous system is a key part of my approach. At its core, this means creating a sense of safety in your body so your system can begin to settle and recognise the difference between past experiences and what’s happening now.
This is why we go at your pace — not mine. We work gently with what feels manageable, sitting with and listening to your experience moment by moment.
Working alongside grief and loss
In counselling, there is space for grief to be here as it is. We don’t need to rush to make sense of it or move past it. We can sit with what feels present, at a pace that feels right for you.