When we hear the terms “grief” and “loss” we often connect them with death or dying. The loss of a loved one is certainly a cause for grief, but it can also pertain to major life changes including the loss of a relationship or experiencing a serious illness. While the loss of someone or something important to you is painful and evokes incredible sadness, the impact varies according to the circumstances of the loss and the support given or not given at the time. Grief is natural, but it can leave us stuck if we aren’t able to process it appropriately.

By the time someone enters young adulthood, the most common losses experienced are that of a pet or grandparent. For some young adults, the loss of a sibling or parent has already occurred, whether through an accident, sudden or prolonged illness, suicide, or even homicide. Many of those struggling with addiction have witnessed someone overdose or lost a friend to substance abuse. Though often not intentional, the support needed to attend to the pain and confusion of these losses may not have been available, leaving the young adult with intense emotions and an inability to cope.

Being forced to find your way through the grieving process at such a pivotal time in your life can leave lasting scars. It can create a lot of confusion and pain if you have to process those emotions without help or guidance.  

We utilize experiential therapies including neurofeedback, mindfulness practices, equine-assisted psychotherapy, challenge courses, trauma-informed psychodrama, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing to address these issues. Our evidence-based treatment approach has proven effective in helping individuals process and overcome emotional trauma, including trauma from adoption or abandonment.