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 Grief is a healthy response to the loss of something deeply meaningful.

It is often particularly strong when the loss is the death of someone you care about or love, but other significant changes can also bring up grief. Even just knowing you are going to lose someone or something important can start the process.

If you are grieving, you may need some extra support — more than your friends and relatives can give you. If you don't need therapy or counseling — if you only need some support to get through this difficult time, please read on...

In individual meetings, family meetings, or in grief support groups, I offer:

 Information about normal grief. Again and again, this has eased the minds of people I work with. Although it may seem like you're going crazy, it may simply be the deep stage of grief.

 Ideas about things you can do to ease the process of grief.

 Suggestions on precautions to take while you are grieving.

 Help identifying whether you should see a therapist or counselor.

 A listening ear. Often, a grieving person's friends and relatives is uncomfortable talking about the person who died, or are not prepared to hear about your feelings and bewilderment. It's important, though, to be able to talk about your loved one and, if you want, how you feel about his or her death.

You want to be sure the person you choose to work with really understands grief and can offer compassionate support. My understanding of grief goes far beyond personal experiences of the deaths of family members, friends, and animal companions. I have more education and training in grief support than most therapists and counselors have received. Also, keep in mind that many counselors and therapists are uncomfortable with grieving people.

I do not offer therapy or counseling — that is, I do not diagnose mental illness or create a plan to "make you better." The support I offer is not religious in nature, although I am comfortable with questions and discussions of a religious or spiritual nature.

Grief is a natural process. My purpose is to meet you where you are in your process and offer some ideas to make it easier for you.

Times of grief make it difficult to make clear decisions. When you meet with me, you do not need to commit to long-term support. We don't even need to meet regularly. You can learn more about my background at About Marcella.

Life is change. Even a change that is desired and strived for can bring a sense of grief for what is being left behind.

Please contact me about personal grief support. And let me know if you're interested in a grief support group. I am currently looking for appropriate locations for groups.