What we treat
Loss or bereavement
The grieving process occurs when a loved one passes away, and also following other types of loss or changes in circumstances, for example:
End of a relationship
Loss of a job
Moving away to a new location
Decline in the physical or mental health of someone we care about
Loss and bereavement is characterised by grief. Grief affects us in different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.
Complicated grief
Most people experiencing grief and bereavement have a period of sorrow, numbness, and even guilt or anger. Gradually these feelings ease, and it's possible to accept loss and move forward.
For some people, feelings of loss don't improve even after time passes. This is known as complicated grief.
Most people experiencing complicated grief who receive therapy finish feeling more able to recover and resume their life.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of complicated grief may include:
Intense sorrow, pain and rumination over your loss
Thinking about little else but your loss
Extreme focus on reminders of your loss or excessive avoidance of reminders
Persistent longing or pining for your loss
Problems accepting your loss
Numbness or detachment
Bitterness about your loss
Feeling that life holds no meaning or purpose
Lack of trust in others
Inability to enjoy life or think back on positive experiences
Complicated grief also may be indicated if you continue to:
Have trouble carrying out normal routines
Isolate from others and withdraw from social activities
Experience depression, deep sadness, guilt or self-blame
Believe that you did something wrong or could have prevented your loss
Feel life isn't worth living
Wish you had died along with your loved one
Other struggles
Read more about the other difficulties we treat:
Worrying lots about different things
Flashbacks or nightmares of a trauma
Obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours
Talking therapy
If you could be struggling with complicated grief, read about the talking therapies we offer to see how they could help you. You may also like to read some feedback and encouragements by those who received therapy with us.
Self-help resources
Be sure to check out our useful section of self-help resources for wellbeing.
Employment advice
Alongside therapy our Employment Team can help you find employment or training, and support you with workplace adjustments or disputes.
Make the first step
We know the courage it takes to ask for help, and we hope you’ll consider therapy with us. Read more about what to expect if you refer.
Talking Change is for everyone aged sixteen or over, who live in Portsmouth and are registered with a GP in the city.
You can self-refer by calling us on 0300 123 3934 or by completing this secure form online.
Urgent help
Talking Change is not an emergency mental health service for people in crisis. Support is available from specialist services if urgent help is needed.