Traumatic Loss

Individuals who have lost a loved one to a sudden, violent death, such as homicide, suicide, or fatal accident, often have a more difficult time adjusting to their loss in comparison to people who have lost a loved one to natural death, such as a lengthy illness. In fact, people bereaved by a traumatic death may be more likely to experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and complicated grief, or to struggle spiritually. 

Much of my work with grievers has been with highly traumatized individuals who are distressed by the way in which their loved one died and in not knowing how to process the complex emotions they are experiencing as a result. Over time, by working together in a systematic way, my patients and I have had success in reducing the painful distress stemming from their traumatic losses.