When we think of grief, we tend to think of having lost a loved family member or friend due to death. People also know of persons having grief reactions after a beloved pet has died. But did you know there are more types of grief?

Loss does not have to mean that someone has died. Basically, any time a person feels a sense of "loss" about a situation that has happened, they may be experiencing grief. Here are just some examples:

- A person having lost their job
- Divorce or loss of a relationship - Not just the adults involved, but also the children are effected.
- Loss of autonomy or ability - e.g. an elderly person not being able to do certain things anymore
- Loss of security -  e.g. in infidelity situations
- Major illness - leading to loss of health
- Infertility - an example of loss of dreams and ideas about one's future

There are numerous ways in which a person can experience grief from loss. Knowing this and recognizing that this may be effecting you or a loved one you know is a first step. This recognition lends to some understanding and empathy for what may be happening when a person is "expressing" grief reactions in terms of anger, sadness, disbelief and so on. 

While these are natural reactions, talking with a professional counselor may help you or your loved one on this journey through grief experiences. Especially, if it is lingering, does not let up, the person is experiencing stronger reactions such as high anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, or if it is connected to distress in other areas of life, such as relationships, school or work.

You don't have to go this journey alone. Contact me for a free consult.

~Let's Talk! (208) 321 5552 or schedule a time at www.petracounseling.com

~ Petra

What is Secular Counseling all about? 🤔

Basically, it is counseling that is not infused with spiritual or supernatural techniques, such as prayer, or influenced by faith- or religion based thinking. It is solely grounded in researched and science backed techniques, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT.

Secular counseling provides for an opportunity in therapy with a more like-minded, non-religious mental health professional. This can be helpful to a secular person in therapy, in that they can feel more trust in the therapeutic relationship with their counselor and therefore more open in exploring personal issues and solutions.

​I am approved and listed as a secular counselor with the Secular Therapy Project at www.seculartherapy.org. As such, I am a secular person and humanist, as well as a member of Humanists of Idaho. 

Call now for your FREE initial consultation. Let’s talk! (208) 321 5552
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~ Petra

www.petracounseling.com
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No time to take care of yourself you say? Been there. Sometimes still think that way. Although I know better. ‘Cause if I don’t, it’s no bueno. I get stressed, sick or too tired to function well. It comes out in many different ways; headaches, making more mistakes, lack of concentration. So things take longer, as I have to go over things again and again or fix mistakes. 

Know that feeling? But I have so much to do, you say. Yep, I hear ya. So what gives? How do you find time to take care of yourself? I think everyone is different and different things will work better for each individual. But here are some general tips:

1. Recognizing and acknowledging that there is an issue and that something needs changing is the first step towards change. Have a heart to heart ♥️ with yourself. Accept that you are human and not Superman/woman. Your energy resources are limited and running on close to empty is like trying to drive a car on fumes. Eventually you will breakdown, if you don’t “refuel” sorta speak.

2. Make it a priority. Remind yourself continuously about the importance of self care. Talk back to that inner voice of “oh but This and That is more important than” - essentially ‘you.’ Self care is preventative health care. Besides, you’re setting an example to people around you that self care is important.

3. Schedule it. Yep, you read that right. Writing ✍️ appointments with yourself to take care of you, such as scheduling time for a 20 minute nap or that yoga 🧘‍♀️ routine in your planner makes it more serious to you. 

4. Simplify your life. Get rid of things you don’t have time for. Reduce your commitments and ask yourself which of those are really 'have to's.' Learn to say 'No' to things. Declutter that schedule. Speaking of clutter, which creates more stress for you and robs you of valuable moments of you-time. I go through my house a couple times a year and get rid of things we don’t use. Decluttering makes cleaning easier and leaves you with more time for yourself. 

5. Pay attention to when you do make changes how it is affecting you. How do you feel now? Have more energy after working out? Feeling refreshed after that 20 minute nap? Concentration is better and getting stuff done ✅ faster? Tell people about your success and encourage others to take care of themselves, as well. By becoming a ‘believer’ and spreading ‘the word’ about the goodness that comes from self care, you are also reinforcing that mindset in yourself, making it stick more in your future.
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Need some support with this? Let’s talk! (208) 321 5552
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~ Petra

www.petracounseling.com
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Feel free to copy and paste with my reference