Are you struggling with the effects of anticipatory grief?
Right now, as a result of anticipatory grief, you may be experiencing:
- Waves of sadness, anxiety, or dread about an impending loss that hasn’t yet fully occurred
- Difficulty staying present as your mind continually projects into a future without your loved one or after a significant change
- Physical symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, or appetite changes as your body responds to emotional stress
- Conflicting emotions such as guilt for “grieving someone who is still here” alongside genuine sorrow about what’s to come
- A sense of isolation as others may not recognize or validate grief that precedes an actual loss
- Heightened awareness of time passing, creating pressure to make moments “count” while simultaneously feeling overwhelmed
- Mental rehearsal of future scenarios, including how you’ll cope after the loss or how you’ll manage practical matters
Your anticipatory grief may be getting in the way of your life in these ways:
- Your ability to be fully present with your loved one is compromised by thoughts of future loss
- Your emotional resources are depleted by constantly toggling between present caregiving and future grieving
- Your relationships with others are strained as you withdraw or struggle to explain your complex emotional state
- Your self-care practices have diminished as you prioritize caregiving or preparation for the impending change
- Your sense of identity feels threatened as you begin to imagine life in a new role or without a significant relationship
You’re wondering…
- Is it normal to grieve so deeply before the actual loss has occurred?
- How can I balance preparing for the future while still living fully in the present?
- Will grieving now make the actual loss easier or harder when it finally happens?
- How do I manage the uncertainty of not knowing exactly when or how the loss will unfold?
- What can I do with these powerful emotions when there’s no closure yet available?
You’re longing for…
- The ability to be fully present with your loved one or situation without constantly anticipating the loss.
- Permission to experience and express your grief without judgment from yourself or others.
- Balance between preparing practically for the future and maintaining emotional well-being now.
- Connection with others who understand the unique challenges of grieving before a loss occurs.
- Meaningful ways to honor the relationship or situation that’s changing while you still can.
How we can help you.
At Evergreen Counseling, we understand that anticipatory grief is a complex emotional process that occurs before an expected loss. Our therapists create a safe, validating space where you can express the full range of emotions that arise when facing an impending loss—whether it's a loved one's declining health, an upcoming major life transition, or another significant change.
What you’re longing for is possible.
By pursuing trauma therapy for anticipatory grief, you can imagine the following:
You feel overwhelmed by emotions about a loss that hasn't fully occurred yet, questioning if your grief is valid or appropriate.
You recognize anticipatory grief as a natural, valid response to an expected loss and allow yourself to experience it without judgment.
Your thoughts constantly project into the future, making it difficult to be present with your loved one or current situation.
You have developed strategies to be more present while still acknowledging and preparing for the future changes.
You struggle with the uncertainty of not knowing exactly when or how the anticipated loss will unfold.
You navigate uncertainty with greater emotional resilience, focusing on what you can control while accepting what you cannot.
You feel isolated in your experience as others may not recognize grief that precedes an actual loss.
You communicate more effectively about your experience, connecting with supportive people who understand your situation.
You find yourself caught between preparing for the future and trying to make the most of remaining time.
You find meaningful ways to honor your relationship or situation while it's still present, creating lasting memories and legacy.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
