Stages of Grief Kubler Ross model

Grief counselling Singapore offers a compassionate space for those navigating the pain of loss. Grief can come in many forms: the sudden death of a loved one, the diagnosis of a terminal illness, or even the loss of a relationship or job. Each experience brings its own challenges, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or deeply sorrowful.

At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd., we understand that grief is not just about saying goodbye—it’s about finding a way to live with the memories and emotions that follow. Our registered grief and bereavement counsellors provide a safe, empathetic space to explore your feelings, honour your loss, and rebuild your sense of self. Grief often comes in waves—sometimes calm, sometimes stormy—but you don’t have to face them alone.

Understanding Grief and Bereavement Counselling

Grief is a deeply personal journey. It’s not just about moving on; it’s about learning to carry the weight of what you’ve lost while continuing to find meaning in life. Whether it’s the sudden death of a loved one, a terminal illness diagnosis, or the loss of a cherished relationship, grief counselling provides tools to navigate this journey with compassion and resilience.

Common Emotions in Grief

Grief can bring a complex mix of emotions, including:

• Shock or disbelief: Feeling numb or unable to process what has happened.
• Anger: Questioning why this loss occurred or feeling frustrated at circumstances.
• Sadness or loneliness: Mourning the absence of what was once a part of your daily life.
• Guilt or regret: Wondering if you could have done something differently.

Through grief counselling, you’ll find a supportive space to process these emotions, understand your responses, and discover ways to cope.

Grief Comes in Waves

Grief often feels like standing at the shore, watching waves rise and fall. Some days are calm and peaceful, while others bring waves so overwhelming they pull you under. These ups and downs are natural. Certain moments—like anniversaries or memories—can bring emotions rushing back unexpectedly.

At Listening Ear, we help you navigate these waves. With tools and support tailored to your unique experience, we’ll help you ride the highs and lows with strength and understanding.

Grief Beyond Death: Mourning Life’s Many Losses

Grief counselling Singapore isn’t just for bereavement. Grief can arise from any significant change or unmet expectation, reminding us of the value we attach to what we’ve lost.

Loss of Relationships

The end of a marriage, separation, or infidelity can feel like a death of its own. You may grieve not just the relationship but also the dreams and plans you had for the future. Counselling provides a safe space to process these emotions and rediscover hope.

Career or Job Loss

Losing a job or transitioning into retirement can challenge your sense of identity and purpose. Our grief counselling services help you adjust to this new reality and rediscover meaning.

Health Challenges and Terminal Illness

Facing a chronic illness or a loved one’s terminal diagnosis brings anticipatory grief. You may mourn the loss of independence or prepare for a future without someone you love. We provide support to navigate these emotions with empathy and care.

Other Life Transitions

Major changes—such as relocating, losing touch with a close friend, or adjusting to an empty nest—can bring feelings of grief and loss. At Listening Ear, we validate these experiences and offer tailored support to help you adjust and heal.

Models of Grief: A Framework for Healing

While grief is deeply personal, understanding common frameworks can help make sense of your journey. These models provide guidance without imposing a “right way” to grieve.

1. Kübler-Ross Five Stages of Grief

Introduced by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, this well-known model outlines five stages many people may experience:

• Denial: “This can’t be happening.”
• Anger: “Why did this happen to me?”
• Bargaining: “If only I had done things differently.”
• Depression: Feeling the heavy weight of sadness and loss.
• Acceptance: Beginning to see a path forward.

These stages aren’t linear. You might revisit them or skip some entirely. Grief isn’t about following a script; it’s about finding what feels right for you.

2. Dual Process Model

Developed by Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut, this model highlights the oscillation between:

• Loss-Oriented Tasks: Confronting the pain of grief by reflecting on memories or experiencing sadness.
• Restoration-Oriented Tasks: Focusing on daily life, such as working or connecting with loved ones.

This balance reminds us that it’s okay to step away from grief and engage with life, as both are part of the healing process.

3. Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning

J. William Worden described grief as involving active tasks:

1. Accepting the Reality of the Loss: Acknowledging what has happened.
2. Processing the Pain of Grief: Allowing yourself to feel and express emotions.
3. Adjusting to a New Reality: Finding ways to live without what you’ve lost.
4. Maintaining Connection While Moving Forward: Honouring memories while continuing to live fully.

These tasks don’t ask you to “let go” but encourage you to integrate your loss into your life meaningfully.

4. Continuing Bonds Theory

Grief doesn’t mean severing ties. This model encourages maintaining a connection with your loved one through rituals, cherished memories, or personal reflections. Finding comfort in their presence allows you to move forward while keeping them close.

Types of Grief: Every Journey Is Unique

Grief manifests differently for everyone. Recognising the type of grief you’re experiencing can help you feel understood and supported.

1. Acute Grief

This is the intense, immediate pain following a loss. It can feel raw and overwhelming, making it hard to focus on anything else.

2. Complicated Grief

Sometimes grief persists and becomes all-consuming, lasting far longer than expected. You may feel stuck, unable to move forward, or avoid reminders of your loss.

3. Disenfranchised Grief

This occurs when society doesn’t acknowledge your loss—such as the death of a pet, a miscarriage, or the end of a non-traditional relationship. At Listening Ear, we honour all forms of grief and provide a space where your feelings are validated.

4. Anticipatory Grief

You may begin grieving even before a loss occurs, such as when a loved one is terminally ill. While this type of grief can prepare you emotionally, it is no less challenging.

5. Cumulative Grief

When losses pile up, it can feel as though you can’t catch your breath. Experiencing multiple losses in a short time can leave you emotionally drained and in need of deeper support.

Honouring Your Loss, Rediscovering Hope

At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy, we understand the complexities of grief—whether from the sudden death of a loved one, a life-changing diagnosis, or the end of a cherished relationship. Our goal is to walk with you, offering the support, tools, and compassion you need to navigate the waves of grief. Together, we’ll honour your loss and help you find meaning, hope, and resilience.

Our Approach at Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy

Our holistic approach to grief therapy draws upon evidence-based practices to help you navigate your loss:

1. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

   • Explore unresolved emotional pain, particularly tied to losing an attachment figure.

2. Narrative Therapy

   • Externalise grief and re-author your life story to find fresh meaning.

3. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

   • Highly effective for traumatic grief, helping you reprocess distressing memories.

4. Brainspotting

   • Targets deep, unprocessed emotional pain, allowing for release and healing.

5. Somatic Work (e.g., Integral Somatic Psychotherapy)

   • Address grief-related tension stored in the body.

6. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

   • Provides goal-oriented strategies to encourage hope and measurable progress.

7. Gestalt Therapy (Empty Chair Technique)

   • Express unspoken feelings and work through unfinished business in a structured way.

8. Mindfulness-Based Approaches

   • Develop tools to stay present with your grief without being overwhelmed by it.

9. Existential Therapy

   • Explore life’s broader questions around death, meaning, and purpose.

10. Logotherapy

    • Discover meaning in suffering, focusing on personal growth after loss.

11. Rituals and Symbolic Acts

    • Create personalised ceremonies or symbolic actions to honour the deceased or the end of a chapter in life.

Honouring Memories and Navigating the Waves of Grief

Grief often comes in waves; some days it’s calmer, other days it’s overwhelming. We believe in honouring what you’ve lost rather than trying to push it aside. Our role is to walk alongside you, helping you find ways to commemorate your loved ones, reflect on your experiences, and integrate these memories into your life story.

 Take the Next Step

If you’re feeling lost, numb, or simply overwhelmed by the weight of your grief, please remember you’re not alone. At Listening Ear, we’re here to provide professional support in a safe and confidential place, whether you’re facing bereavement, heartbreak, or any kind of life transition.

Contact us today to schedule a session. We’re committed to helping you find pathways to healing, growth, and renewal—so you can keep moving forward while still cherishing what was lost.