Grief and Loss

Grief is a natural response to loss. It can bring sadness, anger, guilt, relief, numbness, or all of these at once, and it rarely follows a straight line. There is no right way to grieve and no deadline for feeling better.

At Alliance Wellness Solutions, we offer a space to process loss without judgment, and support for finding your way forward while honoring what matters to you. Appointments are available in person at our Towson office and by telehealth anywhere in Maryland.

Grief takes many forms

Most people think of grief after a death, and that is often where it begins. But grief can follow any significant loss or change, including:

• Death of a loved one
• Pregnancy or infant loss
• Divorce or a relationship ending
• Loss of health or independence
• Job loss or retirement
• A move or major life change
• Loss of a pet
• Caring for someone who is ill

How grief can feel

Grief affects the mind and the body. You may notice:

• Waves of sadness that come without warning
• Trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating
• Feeling numb, disconnected, or as though life is unreal
• Anger, guilt, or questions about what could have been different
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Physical exhaustion, aches, or getting sick more often

Children and teens grieve too, though it can look different. They may move in and out of sadness quickly, act out, or show changes at school. They often need help putting words to what they feel.

When grief needs more support

For most people, the intensity of grief gradually softens over time, even though the loss is never forgotten. Sometimes, though, grief stays overwhelming for a long time, or it develops into depression or anxiety. It may be time to reach out if:

• Months have passed and daily life still feels unmanageable
• You feel unable to accept the loss or to imagine a future
• You are avoiding anything that reminds you of the person or loss
• You are relying on alcohol or other substances to cope
• You have thoughts of wanting to die or to join the person you lost

You do not need to wait for any of these, though. Many people find it helpful to talk with someone early on.

How we help

Individual therapy

Therapy gives you room to talk about the person or the life you have lost, express feelings that may be hard to share with others, and find ways to cope with the changes the loss has brought. It is not about “getting over” a loss, but about learning to carry it.

Family support

Loss affects everyone in a family differently. Family sessions can help members understand one another, talk openly, and support children and teens through grief.

Group therapy

Spending time with others who understand loss can ease the loneliness that grief often brings. Clinician-led groups offer connection, perspective, and shared ways of coping.

If grief has led to depression, anxiety, or ongoing sleep problems, our psychiatric nurse practitioners can also evaluate whether medication may help.

What to expect

1. Reach out. Request a consult online or call our office. Our team will answer your questions and help you find a time that works.
2. Your first appointment. We take the time to listen and to understand your loss, your support, and what you need right now.
3. A plan that fits. Together, we decide on next steps, whether that is individual sessions, family support, a group, or a combination.
4. Ongoing support. We check in on how you are doing and adjust your care as your needs change.

You do not have to grieve alone

Grief can make the world feel very quiet. Reaching out does not mean you are grieving the wrong way. It means you are giving yourself support while you carry something heavy.

Maybe it’s time to talk to someone.