Understanding Grief: Beyond Simple Definitions

Having recently completed specialized training in grief counselling, I've been reflecting on how the word "grief" itself may not fully honour the complexity of each person's unique experience.

Grief is More Than Loss of Life

When we think of grief, we often picture the loss of a person such as a family member, friend, or beloved pet. But grief encompasses so much more. It can be the loss of an ex-partner, a job, a cherished dream, or the expectations we held for our future. Each of these losses deserves recognition and space to be processed.

Every Path is Different

What strikes me most is how uniquely each person processes grief. There's no universal roadmap, no standard timeline, and no "right" way to grieve. For some clients, the relationship with the person they've lost complicates their feelings. Perhaps it was an ex-partner, or the loss is connected to a criminal offense. In some cases, our legal and social systems can perpetuate feelings of injustice or shame, adding layers of complexity to an already difficult journey.

Moving Beyond the "Process" Mindset

The idea that grief follows a predictable process can be limiting. It suggests there's an endpoint, a finish line where we're "done" grieving. This framework can leave people feeling broken or inadequate when their experience doesn't match these expectations.

Grief as a Room in Our House

Instead, I'm drawn to the metaphor of grief as a room in our house. We can honour our loss, remember what we've lost, and spend time in that space when we need to. But slowly, we also move to other rooms and start connecting with other people, exploring new ideas, engaging with life. The beautiful thing about this metaphor is that we never shut the door to that grief room. It remains accessible, a part of our home, but it doesn't have to be the only room we inhabit.

This approach allows us to carry our losses with us while still living, honouring both our grief and our capacity for continued growth and connection.

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care . If you are experiencing distress or a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services.

Meaning Making

Why I Named My Practice "JC MindScience Counselling"

You might wonder about the story behind the name I chose for my new venture. The answer lies in something deeply important to me: creating meaning.

The Foundation: Logotherapy and Viktor Frankl

During my graduate studies, I was profoundly influenced by Viktor Frankl's logotherapy. At its core, logotherapy emphasizes helping people find personal meaning in life. This therapeutic approach focuses on the future and our remarkable ability to endure hardship and suffering through the pursuit of purpose. Frankl's wisdom became a cornerstone of how I view both healing and human resilience.

The Personal in "JC"

While "JC" represents my initials, it carries much deeper significance. These letters also honor the initials of special people in my life—individuals who have navigated mental health challenges and shown me the power of resilience.

Through witnessing these journeys, I've learned that we can grow and adapt even in the face of hardship. This doesn't negate the pain that comes with struggle; rather, it reminds me that our identity isn't defined by only our moments of difficulty. It's crucial to remember both the pain and the growth—they're inseparable parts of our human story.

The Science Behind "MindScience"

"MindScience" honors my background in science, which taught me two invaluable qualities: curiosity and a love of learning. Being a scientist shaped how I approach understanding the human mind and healing—with wonder, rigor, and an openness to discovery.

The integration of scientific thinking with therapeutic practice feels natural to me. Just as science seeks to understand and explain, therapy seeks to understand and heal. Both require patience, observation, and the courage to explore the unknown.

A Name With Purpose

JC MindScience Counselling represents the convergence of personal experience, professional training, and scientific curiosity. It's a name that honors the people who shaped me, the education that prepared me, and the belief that everyone deserves to find meaning and purpose in their lives—even in the midst of struggle.

This is more than a business name; it's a commitment to walking alongside others as they discover their own capacity for growth, resilience, and meaning-making.

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care . If you are experiencing distress or a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services.